











v-^^, 



















- ^ .« .*^%^/.% Vc/ /^fe\ %,*^ 









N a 







I C 



m " 









o 

O 




.^' 



* • ♦ • 



°o 










MESSAGE 



FROM THE 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 

TRANSMITTING 

A LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR 

ACCOMPANIED WITH 

SUNDRY DOCUMENTS, 

IN OBEDIENCE TO A 

RESOLUTION OF THE 31st OF DECEMBER LAST, 

REqUESTING SUCH INFORMATION AS 

MAY TEND TO EXPLAIN THE CAUSES 

OF THE 

FAILURE OF THE ARMS 

OF THE UNITED STATES, 

ON THE 

NORTHERN FRONTIER. 



VVXVWVWWXiVXrWWVW 



Laid on the table of the House of Representatives of tlw> 
United States, on the 2d February, 1814. 



vwwvvwvwvwvwvv^ 

IN TWO PARTS. 

PART I. 



ALBANY : 
rni5TEi) DT webstehs axd skikners, and n. c. sodthm^ick. 

" m 

18U. 









MESSAGE. 



-' a 



To the House of Refiresentatives of the United States. 

I TRANSMIT to the House of Representatives a Re- 
port of the Secretary of War, complying with their Reso- 
lution of the 31st of December last. 

JAMES MADISON. 

January 31st, 1814. 



REPORT. 

War Department, January 25, 1814. 
SIR, 
In compliance with the Resolution of the House of Re- 
presentatives of the 31st of December last, requesting 
«uch information (not improper to be communicated) as 
may tend to explain the causes of the failure of the Arms 
of the United States, on the Northern Frontier, I have 
the honor to submit the following documents, and to offer 
to you, sir, the assurance of the very high respect with 
which I am 

Your most obedient. 

And very humble servant, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 

The President, 



CORRESPOXDEXCE 

BETWKKN Tin; 

Secretary ofJVar and Maj, Gen. Dearborn^ £sV. 

Kote firescntcd to the Cabinet on the 8th J'^ebrtiaryf 
1813, by the Secretary of War. 

THE enemy's force at Montreal and its dependen- 
cies has been stated at 16,000 efTcctives. It more 
probably docs not exceed 10 or 12,000. The militia 
part of it may amount to one sixth of the whole. Is it 
probable that wc siiall be able to open the campaic^n 
on lake Champlain with a force competent to meet and 
dislodge tliis arnjy before the 15th of May? I put 
the question on this date, l)ectiuse it is not to be doubt- 
ed but tiiat the enemy VN-ill then be reinforced, and, of 
course, that new relations in point of strengtii will be 
establisiied between us. Our present regular force 
on both sides of lake Champlain does not exceed 
2,400 men. The addition made to it must necessarily 
consist of recruits, v.ho, for a time, will not be better 
than militia ; and when we consider that the recruiting 
service is but beginning, and that we now approach 
• the middle of February, the conclusion is, I think, 
^ safe, that we cannot move in this direction and thus 
early (say 1st of May,) with effect. 

It tnen remains to choose between a course of entire 
inaction, because incompetent to the main attack, or 
one having a secondary but still an important object ; 
such would be the reduction of that part of Upper 
Canada lying between the town of Prescott, on the 
St. Lawrence and lake Erie, including the towns of 
Kingston and York, and the forts, George and Erie. 
On this line of frontier the enemy have, 

At Prescott, 300 

At Kingston, 600 

At George and Erie, 8cc. - . - 1,200 



Making a total (of regular troops) of 2,100 

Kingston and Prescott, and the destruction of thd 
British ships at the former, would present the first ob- 
ject ; York and the frigates said to be building there, 
the second ; George and Erie the third. 

<rhe force to be employed on this service should 
not be less than 6,000 effective regular troops, because 



in this first enterprise of 'a's'econd campaign nothinfr 
must, If possible, be left to chance. ^ 

_ The time for givm- execution to this plan is clearly 
indicated by the following facfs : ^ 

1st. The river St. Lawrence is not open to the 
purposes of navigation before the l5th of May : And 

^d. Lake Ontario is free from all obstruction arising 
irom ice by the 1st day of April. ^ 

Under these circumstances we shall have six weeks 
ior the expedition before it be possible for sir George 
I'revost to give it any disturbance. 

Siiould this outline be approved, the details for the 
service can be made and expedited in forty-ei^ht 
Jiours. . -f 6 * 



Extract of a letter from the Secretary at War to 
Major General Dearborn^ dated 

War Department, February 10, 1813. 
« I have the president's orders to communicate 
to you, as expeditiously as possible, the outline of 
campaign winch you will immediately institute and 
pursue against Upper Canada ; 

" 1st. 4,000 troops will be Assembled at Sackett's 
Harbor. 

" 2d. 3,000 will be brought together at Buffalo and 
Its vicinity. 

" 3d. the former of these corps will be embarked 
and transported under convoy of the fleet to Kingston, 
where they will be landed. Kingston, its garrison, 
and the British ships wintering in the harbor of that 
place, Will be its first object. Its second object will 
be \ork, (the capital of Upper Canada,} the stores 
collected and the two frigates building there. Its 
third object, forts George and Erie, and their depen- 
dencies. In the attainment of this last, there will be 
a co-operation between the two corps. The composi- 
tion of these will be as follows: 

1st. Bloornfield's brigade, 1,436 
2d. Chandler's ditto, l|o44 
3d. Philadelphia detachment, 400 
4th. Baltimore ditto, SOO 
5th. Carlisle ditto, 200 
6th. Greenbush ditto, 400 
7th. Sackett's Harbor ditto, 250 4,030 



*Jtli. Several corps at BulTulo uiulcr thr. 
coniniaiul of colonel Poricr and 
the recruits belon}4;in^ tlicrcto, - 3,000 



Total, - - - 7,030 
*' The time for exccutini^ the enterprise will he f^ov- 
Ycrned hy the opening of lake Ontario, whicli usually 
takes place about the first of April. 

" The adjutant general has orders to put the more 
soutliern detachments in march as expeditiously as 
possible. The two brigades on lake Champlain you 
will move so as to give them full time to reach their 
place of destination by the 25th of March. The route 
by Elizabeth will, I think, be the shortest and best. 
They will be replaced by some new raised regiments 
from the east. 

*' You will put into your movements as much priva- 
cy as may be compatible with their execution. They 
may be masked by reports that Sackett's Harbor is 
in danger, and that the principal effort will be made 
on the Niagara in co-operation with general Harri- 
son. As the route to Sackett's Harbor and to Niaga- 
ra is for a considerable distance the same, it may be 
well to intimate, even in orders, that the latter is the 
destination of the two brigades now at lake Cham- 
plain.** 



Albany, February 18, 1813. 
SIR, 

Your despatches of tUe 10th were received last 
evening. Nothing shall be omitted on my part in en- 
deavouring to carry into effeet the expedition propos- 
ed. 

I fear the very large magazines of provision? on 
lake Champlain will be unsafe unless a considerable 
part is removed at some distance from the store, or a 
considerable force is assembled at Burlington and vi- 
cinity by the time the two brigades shall move. An- 
other motive for having a large force on that lake, will 
be, that of preventing the enemy from sending almost 
his whole force from Lower Canada to Kingston, as 
soon as our intentions shall be so far known as to af- 
ford satisfactory evidence of our intentions in relation 
to the conquest of Upper Canada ; and unless an im« 

A 2 



posing force shall menace Lower Canada, the enenmy's 
whole force may be concentrated in Upper Canada, 
and require as large a force to operate against them 
as would be necessary to operate towards Montreal. 
It may be advisable to draw out a body of New Hamp- 
shire militia to serve for a short time, in Vermont. 
You will judge of the expediency of such a measure ; 
but I do not believe that there will be a sufficient body 
of new raised troops in season for taking the place 
of the two brigades. 

I this day received a letter fmm colonel Porter, in 
which he i^iforms me that general Winchester had ar- 
rived at Niagara, with such of his troops as had es- 
caped the tomahawk, and that they were crossing over 
on parole ; he states that at the close of the action 
every man who by wounds or other causes were un- 
able to march, were indiscriminately put to death. 
Such outrageous conduct will require serious atten- 
tion, especially when British troops are concerned in 
the action. 

I am. Sir, 

Your obedient servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 
Honorable John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 



War Department, February 24, 1813. 
SIR, 

Before I left New-York, and till very recently 
since my arrival here, 1 was informed, through vari- 
ous channels, that a wint-sr or spring attack upon 
Kingston was not practicable, on account of the snow, 
which generally lays to the depth of two, and some- 
times of three feet^ over all that northern region dur- 
ing those seasons. Hence it is, that in the plan re- 
cently communicated, it was thought safest and best 
to make the attack by a combination of naval and mil- 
itary means, and to approach our object, not by direct- 
ly crossing the St. Lawrence on the ice, but by setting 
out from Sackett's Harbor, in concert with, and under 
convoy of the fleet. Later information differs from 
that on which this plan was founded ; and the fortu- 
nate issue of major Forsyth's last expedition shews, 
that small enterprises at least, may be successfully 
executed at the present season. The advices given 



ill your letter of the instant, lias a bcarln^i; also 

on the same point and to the same eHect. If the en- 
emy he really \vcak at Kini^slon and appioachahle by 
land and ict-, Pike (who will be a brii^udiei- \u a day or 
two) may be put into motion IVom lake Clmmplain, by 
the Chaleauge route, (in slei;^hs) and with the (ivo 
brii2;ades, cross the St. Lawrence, where it may be 
thought best, destroy the armed ships and seize and 
hold Ivin,q;ston until you can join him with the other 
corps destined for the future objects of the expedi- 
tion ; and if pressed by Prevost, before such junction 
can be ciVecled, he may withdraw himself to Sackett's 
Harbor, or other place of security on our side of the 
line. This would be much the shorier road to the 
object, and perhaps the safer one, as the St. Lawrence 
is now every where well bridged, and offers no ob- 
struction to eiiher attack or retreat. Such a move- 
ment will, no doubt, be soon known to Prevost, and 
cannot but disquiet him. The dilemma it presents, 
will be serious. Kither he must give up his western 
posts, or to save them, he must carry himself in force, 
and promptly to Upper Canada. In the latter case, 
he will be embarrassed for subsistence. His convoys 
i^ of provision will be open to our attacks, on a line of 
nearly one hundred miles, and his position at Montreal 
much weakened. Another decided advantage will 
be, to let us into the secret of his real strength. If he 
be able to make heavy detachments to cover, or to re- 
cover Kingston, and to protect his supplies, and after 
all maintain himself at Montreal and on lake Cham- 
plain, he is stronger than I imagined, or than any well 
authenticated reports make him to be. 

With regard to our magazines, my belief is, that 
we have nothing to fear ; because, as stated above, 
Prevost's attention must be given to the western posts 
and to our movements against them. He will not dare 
to advance southwardly while a heavy corps is ope- 
rating on his flank and menacing his line of commu- 
nication. But on the other supposition, they (the mag- 
azines) may be easily secured ; 1st, by taking them 
to Willsborough ; or id, to Burlington ; or 3d, by a 
militia call, to protect them where they are. Orders 
are given for the march ofthe eastern volunteers, ex- 
cepting Ulmer's regiment and two companies of axe- 
men, sent to open the route to the Chandiere. 



The southern detachments will be much stronger 
than I had supposed. That from Philadelphia will 
mount up nearly to 1 000 effectives. 

With great respect, 
Dear General, 

I am yours faithfully, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
General Dearborn. 



f 



Head- Quarters, Albany, February 25, 1813. 
SIR, 

I this day received by express from Colonel 
Macomb, the inclosed account from major Forsyth. 
His known zeal for a small partizan warfare, has in- 
duced me to give him repeated caution against such 
measures, on his part, as would probably produce 
such retaliating strokes as he would be unable to re- 
sist ; but I fear my advice has not been as fully a.ttend- 
ed to as could have been wished. He is an excellent 
officer, and under suitable circumstances would be of 
important service. 

I have requested the governor to order general- 
Brown out with three or four hundred of such militia 
as he can soonest assemble, to join Forsyth ; and I 
have ordered colonel Pike, with four hundred of his 
command, to proceed in sleighs by what is considered 
the shortest and best route, to the neighborhood of 
Ogdensburgh, or to Sackett's Harbor. On his arrival 
at Potsdam, or Canton or Russell, he will be able to 
communicate with Brov/n or Forsyth, or both, and act 
with them, as circumstances may require. 

The affair at Ogdensburgh will be a fair excuse for 
moving troops in that direction ; and by this move- 
ment it will be ascertained whether the same route 
will be the best in future : the distance by that route 
from Plattsburgh to Sackett's Harbor, is but little 
more than one half of what it would be by the route 
proposed, and I am assured by a gentleman, whom I 
can confide in, that there will be no difficulty by that 
route. ' 

Chauncey has not yet returned from New- York.—- 
I am satisfied that if he had arrived as soon as I had 
exfiected him^ vje might have madf a stroke at Xing"- 
eton on the ice^ but his presence was necessary for 
having the aid of the seamen and marines. 



From a letter received this clay from colonel Por- 
ter at Niap^ara, it appears that tlic enemy were pre- 
paring to strike at Bhick Rock. 
I can give liini no assistance. 

I am, sir, with respect and esteem, 

Your obedient humble scivant, 
i H. DEARBORN. 

I Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 

ft February 22, 1813. 

SIR, 

I have only time to inform that the enemy, with 
& very superior force, succeeded in taking Ogdens- 
burgh this morning about nine o'clock. They had 
about two men to our one, exclusive of Indians. — 
Numbers of the enemy are dead on the field. Not 
more than twenty of our men killed and wounded; 
lieutenant Beard is among the latter. 

I have made a saving retreat of about eight or nine 
miles. I could not get all the wounded off. 

We have killed two of the enemy to one of ours 
killed by them. We want ammunition and some pro- 
visions sent on tons, also sleighs for the wounded. 
*- If you can send me three hundred men^ all fihall be re- 
taken^ and Frescott too, or I will lose my life in the 
attempt. I shall write you more particularly to-day. 
Yoursj with due rej-.pect, 

BENJAMIN FORSYTH, 
Cafit. rifle reg. commanding. 
Col. Macomb, Sackctt's Harbor. 

Kxtract of a letter from Major General Dearborn to 
the Secretary at War, dated 

Albany, February 26, 1813. 
" Having received information that sir George Pre- 
vost was moving towards Upper Canada with consi- 
derable force, but not such as can be fully relied on, 
I have, however, ordered 400 more of Pike's com- 
mand to follow the first detachment without delav." 



Head- Quarters, Sackctt's Harbor, March 3, 1813. 
SIR, 

Having been informed that sir George Prevost 
had adjourned the legislature at Quebec, assigning ai 



10 

• ■ • • 

tlie motive that his majesty's service required his pre- 
sence in Upper Canada, and having received certain 
information of his passinj^ Montreal and havin,^ ar- 
rived at Kini^ston, I set out immediately for this place, 
having ordered tiie force at Greenbush, and part of 
colonel Pike's command in sleighs, for this place. I 
arrived here in fifiy-two hours. I am now satisfied, 
from such information as is entitled to full credit, that 
a force has been collected from Quebec, Montreal 
and Upper Canada, of from six to eight thousand men, 
at Kint^-ston, and that we may expect an attack within 
forty-cij^ht hours and perhaps sooner. 

The militia have been called in and every effort 
will, I trust, be made to defend the post ; but, I fear 
neither the troops from Greenbush nor Plattsburgh 
will arrive in season to afford their aid. I have sent 
expresses to have them hurried on. 

Commodore Chauncey has not arrived ; he will be 
here to-morrow. The armed vessels have not been 
placed in the positions in'.endcd by the commodore. 

Our total force may be estimated at nearly three 
thousand of all descriptions. 

Sir George Prevost is represented to be determined 
to effect his object at all events, and will undoubtedly-^ 
make every effort in his power for the purpo!>e. 

We shall, I trust, give him a v.arm reception ; but, 
if his force is such as is expected, and should make an 
attack before our troops anive from Greenbush and 
Plattsburr^h at Sackett's Harbor, the result may at 
least be doubtful. 

I have tlie honor, sir, to be, , 

With the highest respect and consideration, 
Your obedient humble servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 

Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 

Sackett's Harbor, March 9, 1813. 

I have not yet had the honor of a visit from sir * 
G. Prevost. His whole force is concentrated at Kin^- 
Blon, probably amounting to six or seven thousand ; 
about three thousand of them regular troops. The 
icc IS good, and we expect him every day, and every 
n^casurc for preventing a surprise is in constant ac 



I 



II 

• • • • 

tivlty. The troops from C;rccn1)\ish (upwards of 400) 
have arrived. 1 liavc heard iK)lliii)t^ from Pike : lie 
should have been here yesterday. I have sent three 
expresses to meet him ; neither has returned. I have 
Buspicions of the express employed by the quarter 
master general to convey the orders to Pike : the 
earliest measures were taken for conveying a dupli- 
cate of his orders. I hope to hear from him to-day. 
His arrival with eight hundred good troops would be 
very imporiant at this time. The enemy are apprized 
of his movement. 

I begin to entertain sorr.e doubts whether sir George 
M'ill venture to attack us ; but shall not relax in being 
prepared to give him a decent reception. 

I should feci easier if Pike should arrive in season. 
I am in want of officers of experience. My whole 
force, exclusive of seamen and marines, who will be 
confined to the vessels and have no share in the action 
until my force shall be worsted, amounts to nearly 
3000, exclusive of 450 militia at Brownville, and on 
the road leading from Kingston by land. Within 
two or three days I may have 300 more militia from 
Rome and Utica. 

The ice will not probably be passable more than 
from six to ten days longer ; it is not usually passable 
after the 1 5th of March. This unexpected movement 
of the enemy will effectually oppose the movements 
contemplated on our part, and I shall not think it ad- 
visable to order general Chandler to move at present. 
As soon as the fall of this place shall be decided, we 
shall be able to determine on other measures. If we 
hold this place we will command the lake, and be 
able to act in concert with the troops at Niagara, while 
Chandler's brigade, with such other troops as may 
assemble in Vermont, may induce a return of a consi- 
derable part of those troops that have left Lower 
Canada. 

When I ordered Pike to move I directed general 
Chandler to have the provision at Plattsburgh moved 
to Burlington. There was but a small proportion of 
our magazines at Plattsburgh; they are principally at 
Burlington and Whitehall. 

Yours witb respect and esteem, 

lI.DEARDORy. 
Hon. John Armstrong. 



12 

• • • • 

Extract of a letter from Major General Dearbor. 
to the Secretary at JVar, dated 

March 14, 1813. 
" From the most recent and probable informa 
tion I have obtained, I am induced to believe that si 
George Prevost has concluded that it is too late t« 
attack this place. He undoubtedly meditated a coup 
de-main against the shipping here. All the apprehcn 
sion is now at Kingston. Sir George has visitec 
York and Niagara, and returned to Montreal. Se-j 
veral bodies of troops have lately passed up fron: 
Montreal ; but such precautions have been taken tc 
prevent their number being ascertained, as to rendei 
it impossible to form any accurate opinion of theii 
forces, or even to imagine very nearly what they 
amount to. From various sources I am perfectly 
satisfied, that they are not in sufficient force to venture 
an attack on this place, knowing as they do that we 
have collected a fine body of troops from Greenbush 
and Plattsburgh, and that the militia have been called 
in. We are probably just strong enough on each side 
to defend ; but not in sufficient force to hazard an of- 
fensive movement. The difference of attacking and 
being attacked, as it regards the contiguous posts of 
Kingsbm and Sackett's Harbor, cannot be estimated at 
less than three or four thousand men, arising from the 
circumstance of militia acting merely on the defen-i 
sive. I have ordered general Chandler with the 9th, 
21st and 25th regiments to march for this place; 
Clark's regiment and a company of artillery to be left 
at Burlington for the present, where the regiment will 
be filled in a few weeks. I have ordered the recruits 
for the three regiments that will march for this place 
to be sent to Greenbush, and colonel Larned is order- 
ed there to receive tliem with Backus's dismounted 
dragoons and other detachments from Pittsfield." 



I 



Extract of a letter from Major General Dearborn 
to the Secretary at War^ dated 

Sackett's Harbor, March 16th, 1813. 
" It was yesterday unanimously determined in a 
council of the principal officers, including commo- 
dore Chauncey, that we ought not, under existing cir- 



IS 

• • • • 

cumstanccs, to make an attempt on Kingston, before 
the naval force can act. The harbors in this lake 
will not probably be open so as to admit of the vessels 
behig moved until about the 15th of April." 

Extract of a letter from Major General Dearborn 
■ to the Secretary at War, without date ; /iro/iosing to 
fiass by Kingston^ and attack York, ^c, 

" To take or destroy the armed vessels at York, 
■will give us the complete command of the lake. 
Commodore Chauncey can take with him ten or 
twelve hundred troops, to be commanded, by Pike ; 
take York, from thence proceed to Niagara, and at- 
tack fort George by land and water, while the troops 
at Buffalo cross over and carry forts Erie and Chippe- 
wa, and join those at fort George ; and then collect 
our whole force for an attack on Kingston. After the 
most mature deliberation, the above was considered 
by commodore Chauncey and myself as the most 
<:ertain of ultimate success.'* 



Extract of a letter from the Secretary at War, to 
Major General Dearborn, dated 

War Department, March 29, 1813. 

" Your despatches of the 1 1th and 14th inst. from 
Sackett's Harbor, and one of the 22d, from Albany, 
have been received. The correspondence between 
you and major Murray, in relation to an exchange of 
prisoners, has been referred to the department of 
state. The alteration in the plan of campaign, so as 
to make Kingston the last object, instead of making it 
the first, would appear to be necessary, or at least 
proper ; but the force assigned to the attack of the 
upper posts, is believed to be too small. 

'* Accident may prevent a co-operation of the 
corps at Buffalo. That sent from Sackett's Harbor 
should have in itself the power of reducing forts Geo. 
and Erie, and holding in check the militia who may 
be sent to support them. The ships can give little 
aid in the business, except merely in covering the 
landing. Double the number you purpose sending, 
would not be too many. Various considerations re- 
commend the employment of a large and decisive 

B 



1* 

• > • • 

force, and none, that I can think of, dissuade from it. 
If our first step in the campaign, and in the quarter 
from which most is expected, should fail, the disgrace 
of our arms will be complete. The public will lose 
all confidence in us, and we shall even cease to have | 
any in ourselves. The party who first opens a cam- 
paign, has many advantages over his antagonist, all 
of which, however, are the result of his being able to 
carry his whole force against a part of his enemy's. 
Washington earned his whole force against the Hes- 
sians in New- Jersey, and beating them, recovered 
that moral strength, that self confidence, which he 
had lost by many preceding disasters. We are now 
in that state of prostration that he was in, after he 
crossed the Delaware , but, like him, we may soon 
get on our legs again, it" we are able to give some 
hard blows at the opening of the campaign. In this 
"we cannot fail, provided the force we employ against 
his western posts be sufficiently heavy. They must 
stand or fall by their own strength. They are per- 
fectly isolated and out of the reach of reinforcements : 
send therefore a force that shall overwhelm thcm-^ - 
that shall leave nothing to chance. If I had not an- 
other motive, I would carry my whole strength, merely 
that their first service should be a successful one. The 
good effects of this will be felt throughout the cam- 
paign. 

" I have hastened to give you these thoughts, under 
a full conviction of their usefulness ; and shall only 
add, that there is no drawback upon this policy. — - 
When the fleet and army are gone, we have nothing 
at Sackett's Harbor to guard, nor will the place pre- 
sent an object to the enemy. 

** How then would it read, that we had lost our ob- 
iect on the Niagara, while we had another brigade at 
Sackett'b Harbor doing nothing l" 

Extract of a letter from Major General Dearborn to 
the Secretary at IVary dated 

Albany, April 5, 1813. 

" I have this day been honored with your letter of 
the 29th ultimo. As troops cannot with safety be 
transported from Sackett's liurbor to York or Niaga- 



15 



ra in hatteaux or fiat bot'tomed boats, I must depend 
'on eommodore Chauncey's armed yesse s, wUh one 
or two other sloops, for the transportation of our U oops, 

^ndU Avas eonsidered doubtful whether more than 
Tw ive hundred men could be so conveyed which 
nurnber I considered amply sufficient for the two fi 
nbiects contemplated ; but as many as can be tians 
Sed with saflty shall be sent. The co-operation 
of the troops under general Lewis may be relied on. 
Boyd and Winder a?e with him, and nothing but out- 
raeeous p-alcs oi' wind can prevent success. ^ 

u The'troops from Maryland and Pcnnsylvar^a ar- 
rived last evening. They, with the other detachments , 
at Grecnbush, will proceed towards lake Ontario wi h- 
in two or three days. As soon as practicable, alter 
sending off the troops, I shall move westward. 

War Department, April 19, 1813. 

SIR 

Takini? for c^ranted that general Prevost has 
not been able, or willing, to reinforce Maiden, Erie, 
and George, arid that he has assembled at Kingston a. 
force of six or 'eight thousand men, (as stated by you) 
we must conclude that he means to hazard his more 
western posts, shorten his line of defence, and place 
his right flank on lake Ontario. , 

This arranp-ement is, no doubt, in consequence of 
our preparauons at Sackelt's Harbor. These gave 
him reason to fear that we meant to cut his line of 
communication at that point, which, so long as he has 
a hope of keeping the command of the lake, is one of 
infinite importance to his views. 

The danger, however, now is, that in the event of 
the success of our present expedition, he may lose 
this hope, abandon Kingston and concentrate his forces 
at Montreal. 

This event is, in my opinion, so probable, as to ren- 
der necessary a communication of the views of the 
president, in relation to the movements on your part, 
(which shall be subsequent to tbose now making) on 
two suppositions : 

1st. That the enemy will keep his ground at King- 
ston ; and 



16 

« • • • 

2d. That he will abandon that ground and withdraw 
from [to] Montreal. 

On the first supposition, there is no difficulty in 

either selecting our object, or the means of pursuing 

it. We ought to destroy the communication between 

Kingston and Montreal, by interposing a competent 

^ force between the two, and assailing the former by a 

' joint operation of military and naval means. 

Local circumstances favor this project. A few arm- 
ed boats on lake St. Francis, stops all intercourse by 
water ; in which case, cannon, military stores and ar-* 
tides of subsistence in bulk^ cannot be conveyed be- 
tween Montreal and Kingston. 

From lake Ontario to Ogdensburgh we command 
the navigation of the St. Lawrence by our armed ves- 
sels, and under their protection, our army can be 
passed over and established on the Canada side at the 
point deemed most proper for attack. 

On the other supposition, that the British garrison 
is withdrawn from Kingston to Montreal, the old 
question of approaching him by lake Champlain, or 
by the St. Lawrence, recurs, and ought now to be set- 
tled, so that there should be no unnecessary pause in 
our operations at a later and more momentous period 
of the campaign. 

The circumstances in favor of the St. Lawrence 
route, are these: 

1st. Our force is now upon it. 

2d. It furnishes a conveyance by water the whole 
distance. 

3d. The enemy is not fortified on the St. Lawrence 
side, and has on it no strong out-posts, which must be 
forced, in order to secure our flanks and rear, while 
engaged in the main attack; and 

4th. By approaching his f.a7ik^ (as this route ena- 
bles you to do) instead of his fronts we compel him to 
change his position, in which case, he must do one of 
four things : either he must occupy the north side of 
the river and give up the south, or he must occupy the 
south side and give up the north, or he must confine 
himself to the island and give up both sides ; or last- 
ly, he must occupy both sides, and in this case expose 
himself to be beaten in detail. 

None of these advantages are to be found in ap- 



17 



• • • ■ 

proaching him by the olhor route. Our troops arc not 
upon it ; Vc cannot move by Nviucr ; his out-pobts are 
ibrtificd, and must be carried by assault ; his front is 
the only assailable point, and that is covered by the 
St. Lawrence ; our attack must be made exactly 
M'hcrc he wishes it to be made ; all his arrangements 
and defences are, of course, in full operation, nor is 
he compelled to disturb them in the smallest degree. 
In a word, we must fight him on hi'< pvcxioua disposi- 
tions and plans, and not on any of ou7' own. 

These reasons are dcemc d conclusive for prefer- 
ruig the route of the St. Lawrence, and your measures 
(subsequent to your present expedition) will, there- 
fore, be conformed to this view of the subject. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 

Major Genei-al Dearborn. 

Extract of a letter froni Major General Dearborn tnt 
the Secretary at IVur, dated 

Sackctt's Harbor, April 23, 1813. 

" The troops embarked yesterday. Every vessel 
is crowded with as many men as possi!)le ; the total 
number 1600, of the best men. I trust we shall sail 
within one or two hours. If the sails for a new ves- 
sel arrive v/ithin a day or two, and a small sloop from 
Oswego, w^hich ought to have been here five days 
since, 150 more men will go in them. The ice did 
not move out until the I'Jth ; I arrived on the 20th.'* 

Head Quarters, York, Upper Canada, April 28, 1813. 

SIR, 

After a detenslon of some days, by adverse w Inds, 
we arrived here yesterday morning, and at 8 o'clock 
commenced landing our troops about three miles 
westward of the town, and one and a half from the 
enemy's -works. The wind was high and in an un- 
favorable direction for our boats, which prevented 
the troops landing at a clear field (the ancient site of 
the French fort Tarento.) Tho unfavorable wind 
prevented as many of the- armed vessels from taking 

B 2 



18 

such positions as would as effectually cover onr land- 
ing as they, otherwise would have done ; but every 
thing that could be done was effected. Our riflemen 
under major Forsyth first landed, under a heavy fire 
from Indians and other troops. General Sheaffe com- 
manded in person. He had collected his whole force 
in the v/oods near where the wind obliged our troops 
to land, consisting of about 700 regulars and militia, 
and 100 Indians. Major Forsyth was supported, as 
promptly as possible, with other troops ; but the con- 
test was sharp and severe for near half an hour. The 
enemy was repulsed by a far less number than their 
own, and as soon as general Pike landed with 7 or 
800 men, and the remainder of the troops were push- 
ing for the shore, the enemy retreated to their works ; 
and as soon as the whole of the troops had landed and 
formed on the clear ground intended for the first land- 
ing, they advanced through a thick vrood to the open 
ground near the enemy's works, and after carrying 
one battery by assault, were moving on in columns 
towards the main works ; when the head of the col- 
umns was within about 60 rods of the enemy, a tre- 
mendous explosion occurred from a large magazine 
prepared for the purpose, which discharged such im- 
mense quantities of stone as to produce a most unfor- 
tunate effect on our troops. I have not yet been able 
to collect the returns of our killed and wounded, but 
our loss by the explosion must, I fear, exceed one 
hundred ; and among them I have to lament the loss 
oF the brave and excellent officer brigadier general 
Pike,who received such a contusion from a large stone 
as terminated his valuable life within a few hours. 
His loss will be severely felt. Previous to the explo- 
sion the enemy had retired into the town, excepting a 
party of regular troops, which did not retire early en- 
ough to avoid the shock ; it is said that upwards of 
forty of them were destroyed. General Sheaffe mov- 
ed off with the regular troops and left directions with 
the commanding officer of the militia to make the 
best terms he could. In the mean time, all further 
resistance on the part of the enemy ceased, and the 
outlines of a capitulation were agreed on. As soon as I 
was informed of general Pike's being wounded, I 
went on shore. I had been induced to confide the ifii* 



r 



19 

• • • • 

mediate command of the troops in action to gene- 
ral Pike from a conviction that lie fully expected it, 
and would be much mortitied at being deprived of the 
honor', which he hi^hfy appreciated. Every move- 
ment was under my view. Our troops behaved with 
great firmness and deserve much applause, especial- 
ly those who were first engaged, under circumstances 
that would have tried the firmness of veterans. Our 
loss in the action in the morning and in carrying the 
first battery, was not great, probably about 30 killed 
and wounded ; among them were a full proportion of 
ofiicers ; and althougli the enemy had a decided ad- 
vantage in point of numbers and position at the com- 
mencement, their loss was greater vhan ours, particu- 
larly in ofliccrs. 

It was with the greatest exertion. that the small ves- 
sels of the fleet could work into the harbor against a 
gale of wind directly ahead ; but as soon as they got 
in contact with the batteries a tremendous cannonade 
commenced from 24 and 32 pounders, and was kept 
up without intermission under a heavy fire from two 
batteries until the enemy's batteries were carried or 
blown up by the explosion, which undoubtedly had a 
powerful effect on the enemy, 1 am under the greatest 
obligations to commodore Chauncey for his able and 
indefatigable exertions in every possible manner that 
could give facility and effect to the expedition. He 
is equally estimable for deliberate, sound judgment, 
bravery and industry. The government could not 
have made a more fortunate selection for the impor- 
tant trust he holds. Unfortunately, the enemy's armed 
ship the " Prince Regent" left this place for King- 
ston four days before we arrived. A large ship on 
the stocks, and nearly planked up, with a large store 
of naval stores, were set on fire by the enemy soon 
after the explosion of the magazine. There are no 
vessels fit for use in the harbor. A considerable quan- 
tity of military stores and provisions remained. We 
shall not possess the means of transporting the prison- 
ers from this place, and must of course leave them on 
parole. I hope we shall so far complete the necessary 
measures at this place in the course of this day as to 
be able to sail to-morrow for Niagara, by which route 



20 



I send this by a small vessel, with notice to general 
Lewis of our approach. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 
Honorable John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 



Head-Quarters, Niagara, May 3, 18 IS. 
SIR, 

I arrived at this place last evening with commo- 
dore Chauncey in his fast sailing schooner, the Lady 
of the Lake ; we left the fleet with the troops on board 
in York road. The wind has been so unfavorable as 
to render it impracticable to come to this place with 
any prospect of effecting- a landing. 

I have had' a conference with generals Lewis, Boyd 
and Winder, at which commodore Chauncey was pre- 
sent. I did not find the preparations at this place as 
complete as could have been expected ; but as soon as 
tiie wind will permit: we shall make a descent. Com- 
modore Chauncey has returned to the fleet, and will 
sail for this place as soon as he shall judge the wind 
favorable for crossing and landing the troops. In the 
mean time we shall be preparing to act in concert. 
General Boyd will take command of the brigade 
lately commanded by general Pike. We find^the 
■weather on this lake at this season of the year, such 
as to render naval operations extremely tedious and 
uncertain, especially when we have to debark troops 
on the shore of the lake, where there are no harbors. 
Westerly winds are necessary : we have none but 
easterly. I have no doubt of ultimate success, unless 
harrassed and dispersed by the elements. 

I enclose a return of the killed and wounded. You 
will observe the loss was very small excepting that 
produced by the explosion. As nearly as I have been 
able to ascertain, the loss of the enemy amounted 
from ninety to one hundred killed, two hundred 
wounded, and upwards of three hundred prisoners. 
I have not been able to ascertain precisely the num- 
ber of the militia put on their parole ; I presume it 
could not be less than five hundred. There was an 
immense depot of naval and military stores. York 
was the principal depot for Niagara and Detroit ; and 
notwithstanding the immense amount which was de- 



• • • • 

stroyed by tliem, 'vvc round more than v/c could bring 
off. General Sheaffe's baj^^-ai^c and papcvs fell into 
my hands. These papers are a valuable aequisiiion : 
I have not had time for a full examination of them. 
A scalp was found in the executive and lep;islative 
chamber suspended near the speaker's chair, in com- 
pany with the mace and other emblems of royalty. I 
intend sending; it to you with a correct account of 
the facts relative to the place and situation in which 
it was found. 

With great respect, 
I have the honor to be, 
Sir, 
Your most obedient servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 
Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary at War. 



Head- Quarters, Niagara, May 13, 1813. 
SIR, 

Commodore Chaunccy with the fleet and troops 
arrived here on the evening of the 8th, and in the 
course of the night the troops were debarked in a 
very sickly and depressed state. A large proportion 
of the officers and men were sickly and debilitated. 
It was deemed expedient to give them time to recruit 
their health and spirits, and in the mean time for the 
fleet to return to Sackett's Harbor, and take on board 
one thousand additional troops ; — and orders were 
despatched to Utica, Rome and Oswego, to have the 
troops at those places forwarded here in boats from 
Oswego. Backus's corps of light dragoons, about 
four hundred, principally dismounted, and five hun- 
dred of the 1 1th regiment from Burlington, have been 
ordered to Sackett's Harbor. These, with three hun- 
dred volunteers, and a full company of artillery, are 
to form a garrison at that place. Additional cannon 
will be mounted. General Brown of the militia has 
been requested to hold three or four hundred men of 
the immediate vicinity, in readiness to aid the garrison, 
in the event of any attack. My intention is to collect 
the main body of the troops at this place, and as soon 
as commodore Chauncey returns, and the forces from 
Oswego arrive, to commence operations in as spirited 
and eftcctual a manner as practicable. This change 



• • • • 

in the proposed system of operations, has been ren- 
dered necessary by a lon^ series of the most unfortu- 
nate winds and weather that could have occurred at 
this season, and such as could not have been contem- 
plated. 

Colonel Scott reached this yesterday in boats from 
Oswego, with three hundred men. He was seven 
days wind bound in different places, and narrowly 
escaped the loss of his boats and men. I had ex- 
pected him on the 3d. I had almost given him up for 
lost. 

General Harrison is invested ; and presuming on 
the uncertainty of events, I shall make calculation of 
a reinforcement to the enemy of British and Indians 
from Detroit. We shall ibe prepared for them ; 
and I shall consider a concentration of their force 
rather as a fortunate circumstance than otherwise. 

I observed in a former letter, that on my arrival 
here on th j evening of the 2d, the preparations for an 
immediate co-operation, were not as complete as 
could have been expected. General Lewis was at 
14 miles distance. Winder, with his command, was 
at Black Rock. The boats had not been transported 
from Schlosser ; not one of the scows completed ; the 
heavy guns and mortars not placed in the batteries ; 
two 18 and two 12 pounders not mounted ; but with 
all tnese defects we should have made an attack on 
the 4th or 5th, if the fleet had arrived with the troops 
in health, on the Sd, as was expected. 
I have the honor to be, sir, 
Most respectfully, your 

Obedient and humble servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 
Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 



Head-QuarterSj Fort George, 
Upper Canada, May, 27, 1813. 
SIR, 

The light troops under the command of colonel 
Scott and major Forsyth landed this morning at 9 
o'clock. Major general Lewis's division, with colonel 
Porter's command of light artillery, supported them. 
General Boyd's brigade landed immediately after the 
light troops, and generals Winder and Chandler fol- 



"^J 



lowed in quick succession. The landing was warm- 
ly and obstinately disputed by the iiritish ioicos ; but 
the coolness and intrepidity of our troops soon coni- 
pelkd them to give (ground in every direction. Gen- 
eral Chandler with the reserve (composed of his bri- 
gade and colonel Macomb's artillery) covered the 
whole. Commodore Chauncey iiad made the most 
judicious arrangements tor silencing the enemy's bat- 
teries near the point of landing. The army is under 
the greatest obligations, to that a'ole naval commander, 
for ius indefatigable exertions, in co-operation in all 
itG important movements, and especially in its opera- 
tions this day. Our batteries succtedcd in rendering 
fort George untenuble ; and when tiie enemy had been 
beaten from his position, and found it necessary to re- 
enter it, after firing a few Lj;uns, and setting fire to the 
magazines, which soon exploded, moved off rapidly 
by different routes. Our light troops pursued them 
several miles. The troops havmg been under arms 
from one o'clock in the morning, were too niuch ex- 
hausted for any further pursuit. We are now in pos- 
session of fort George and its immediate dependen- 
cies ; to-morrow we shall proceed further on. The 
behavior of our troops, both officers and men, enti- 
tles them to the higliest praise j and the difference in 
our loss with that of the enemy, when we consider 
the advantages his positions afforded him, is astonish- 
ing. We had seventeen kilied and forty-five wound- 
ed. The enemy had ninety killed and one hundred 
and sixty wounded, of the regular troops. We have 
taken one hundred prisoners, exclusive of the wound- 
ed. Colonel Meyers of the .49th, was wounded and 
taken prisoner. Of ours, only one commissioned of- 
ficer was kilied, lieutenant Hobart, of the light artil- 
lery. Inclosed is the report of major general Lewis. 
I have the honor to be, sir. 

With the greatest consideration and respect, 
Your most obedient servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 
The hon. John Armstrong, Secretary ol War. 

On the field, one o'clock, 27th May, 1813. 

DEAR SIR, 

Fort George and its dependencies are ours. — 



e> 



■4- 



The enemy, beaten at all points, has blown up his 
magazines and retired. It is impossible at this mo- 
ment to say any thing of individual gallantry. There, 
v/as no man who did not perform his duty in a man-^* 
ner which did honor to himself and his country.— 
Scott and Forsyth^s commands, supported by Boyd's 
and Winder's brigades, sustained the brunt of the ac- 
tion. Our loss is triPiing — perhaps not more than 
twenty killed, and twice that number wounded. The 
enemy left in the hospital one hundred and twenty- 
four, and I sent several on board the fleet. We have 
also made about one hundred prisoners of the regular 
forces. 

I am, dear sir, most respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 

MORGAN LEWIS, 
Major General Dearborn, 

Commander in Chief of the Northern Army, 

Head-Quarters, Fort George, May 29, 1813. 

SIR, 

General Lewis was ordered to march yesterday 
morning with Chandler and Winder's brigades, the- 
light artillery, dragoons, light infantry and riflemen, 
in pursuit of the enemy by the way ot Queenstown. 
I had received satisfactory information that the enemy 
had made a stand on the mountain, at a place called 
the Beaver Da'ms,where he had a deposit ot provisions 
and stores, and that he had been joined by three hun- 
dred regulars from Kingston, landed from small ves- 
sels, near the head of the lake I had ascertained 
that he was calling in the militia, and had presumed 
that he would confide in the strength of his position 
and venture an action, by which an opportunity would 
be afforded to cut of his retreat. 

I have been disappointed. Although the troops 
from fort Erie and Chippewa had joined the main 
body at the Beaver Dams, he broke up yesterday pre- 
cipitately ; continued his route along the mountain, 
and will reach the head of the lake by that route.— 
Lieutenant colonel Preston took possession of fort 
Erie and its dependencies last evenn»g. The fort 
had been abandoned and the magazines blown up I 
have ordered general Lewis to return without delay 



25 

* • • • 

to this place, and if the winds favor us, we-may yd 
cul off the enemy's retreat at York : but unfortunate- 
ly \vc have plenty of rain but no wind ; it may, how- 
ever, change for the better in a few hours. I shall 
afford commodore Chauncey every facility in my 
power in his preparations for commandint^: lake Eric. 
He is very anxious to return to Sackett's Ilarbor ; for 
until his other ship is fitted, it is not certain that he 
can continue in the command of lake Ontario. I was 
the last evening honored with your des])atches of the 
15th instant. 1 have taken measures in relation to 
the twenty-three prisoners who are to be put in close 
confinement. 

1 have tlie lionor to be, sir, 

With high consideration and respect, 
Your most obedient servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 
Hon. General John Armstrong, 
Secretary of War. 



Extract of a letter from Major General Dearborn to 
the Secretary at IVar^ dated 

Newark, Upper Canada, June 4, 1813. 

" Chandler and Winder are in pursuit of the enemy 
who has halted abour fifty-five miles from here, lam 
still very ieeble and gain strength but slowly." 



Head Quarters, Fort George, June 6, 1813. 

SIR, 

I have received an express from the head of the 
lake this evening, with the intelligence that our 
troops were attacked at two o'clock tins morning, by 
the whole British force and Indians, and by some 
str/mge fatality, though our loss in numbers was 
small, and the enemy was completely routed and 
driven from the field, both brigadier generals, Chand- 
ler and Winder, were taken prisoners. They had ad- 
vanced to ascertain the situation of a company of ar- 
tillery, where the attack commenced. Gen. Chand- 
ler had his horse shot under him and was bruised by 
the fall. General Vincent, tiieir commander, is sup- 
posed to have been killed. Colonel Clark was mor- 
tally wounded and fell into our hands, with sixtv pris- 

C 



• • • • 

oners of the 49 th. The command devolved on colo- 
nel Burn, who has retired to the Forty- mile Creek .' 

If either of the general officers had remained in com- 
mand, the enemy would have been pursued and cut 
up ; or, if colonel Burn had been an officer of infan- 
try. The loss of the enemy in killed, wounded and 
prisoners, must exceed two hundred and fifty. The 
enemy sent in a flag; next morning, with a request to 
bury their dead. Generals Lewis and Boyd' set off 
immediately to join the advanced ?irmy. 1 never so 
severely felt the want of health as at present, at a time 
when my services might, perhaps, be most useful- I 
hope general Hampton will repair here as soon a? 
possible. 

With {jfreat respect, 

I have the honor to be, sir, 
Your most obedient servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 
Hon. General John Armstrong, 
Secretary of War. 

June 8, 1 13. 

There was a mistake in the arrival of the express 
mail Since writing: the above the cncniy's fleet has 
passed, consisting of two large ships and- four heavy 
schooners. I have consequently deemed it prudent to 
concentrate the forces at this fioint* 

H. D. 

Head Quarters, Fort George, June 8, 1813. 
SIR, 

I have been honored with your letters of the 
36th and 27th ult. and a duplicate of one of the 19th 
of April. My ill state of health renders it extremely 
painful to attend to the current duties ; and unless my 
health improves soon, I fear I shall be compelled to 
retire to some place, where my mind may be more at 
ease, for a sl>ort time. Colonel Macomb proceeded 
with two hi;t1idrcd men, with the commodore, to Sack- 
ett's Harl/or. Lieutenant colonel Ripley has also 
g-one, by tne way of Oswei^o, to the Harbor, with his 
regiment, where he will be joined by several hundred 
recruits. He took charge of the provisions to Oswego. 
The commodore \rili not probably venture out until 



37 

• • • • 

his new sliip is fit for sea. Tlie enemy has iioav ilic 
Comuiancl of the lake, and as long: as that is the case, 
any offensive oj)eralions bclosv this must be suspend- 
ed. I had intended placinpj a small i^arrison at ion 
Eiic,'and a sironi^er one at ion Geori^e ; hut as you 
have directed otherwise, I shall select fort Geor^-e as 
guardini;- the only harbor on the southern shore of the 
lake Detroit will be the safest harbor on lake Eric. 
I have, by the request of commodore Chauncey, de- 
tached 200 men to aid captain Perry in removing his 
firmed vessels from Biack R )ck to Presque Isle. 
Commodore Chaunccy is unwilliiii; to approach Mai- 
den, unless he can have a reinforcement to general 
Harrison, of our regulars. As niy command does not 
extend to Maiden, 1 ask your directions on this sub- 
ject. The commodore- is anxious that his Iket on lake 
Erie should proceed with troops to M:chilimaeinac 
and St. Joseph, as soon as the business shall be decid- 
ed at Detroit. On taking possession of this place, the 
inhabitants came in, in numbers, and gave their pa- 
roles. 1 have promised them protection. A large 
majority are friendly to the United States, and fixed 
in their hatred against the government of Great Bri- 
tain. If they should generally be made prisoners of 
war, and taken from their families, it would have a 
most unfavorable eff'ect on our military operations in 
the provinces. The whole country would be driven 
to a state of desperation, and satisfy them, beyoud a 
doubt, that we had no intention of holding the pro- 
vinces. The same effect would be pioduced on the 
Indians, who are now principally quiet, for fear of 
losing their valuable tract of land on Grand river. I 
had authorized the civil magistrates to combine in the 
due exercise of their functions, and cannot, with pro- 
priety, revoke this authority, unless specially directed. 
1'he whole of our troops, officers and men, in the 
action of the 27th, discovered a degree of ardor and 
readiness for action, which evinced a determination 
to do honor to themselves and country. The animat- 
ing example set by colonel Scott and general Boyd, 
in landing and repulsing the enemy, deserves partic- 
ular mention. I am greatly indebted to colonel Por- 
ter, major Armistead and captain Totten, for their 
judicious arrangements and skilful execution in dc- 



28 

• • • • 

molishing the enemy's fort and batteries, and to the 
officers of the artillery generally, who had the diree- 
lion of the guns. 

I have the honor to be, 
With great respect, 

Your most obedient servant, 

H. DEARBORN. 
Hon. General John Armstrong, 
Secretary of War. 

Extract of a Utter from Major General Morgan LeiviSy • 
to the Secretary of Ifary dated 

Niagara, June 14, 18 IS. 

*' You will perceive by the enclosed copy of or- 
ders, marked 1, that general Dearborn from indispo- 
sition, has resigned the command, not only of the Ni- 
agara army, but of the district. 1 have doubts wheth- 
er he will ever again be fit for service. He has been 
repeatedly in a stale of convalescence ; but relapses 
on the least agitation of mind. 

" In my last, 1 mentioned the unfortunate circum- 
stance of the capture of our two brigadiers. Chandler 
and Winder. The particulars s.re detailed in the re- 
port of colonel Burns, marked 2, which he gives from 
the best information he could collect. His corps lay 
a considerable distance from the scene of active opera- 
tion, as you will perceive by the' enclosed diagram. — 
The light corps spoken of, were Captain Hindman's, 
Nicholas's and Biddle's companies of the 2d artillery, ■ 
serving as infantry. These three gentlemen, and • 
captains Archer and Towson of the same regiment, 
and Leonard of the light artillery, are soldiers who 
would honor any service. Their gallantry, and that 
of their companies, was equally conspicuous on this 
occasion, as in the affair of the 27th ult. A view of 
general Chandler's encampment will be sufficient to 
show, that his disaster was owing to its arrangement : 
its centre being its weakest point, and that being dis- 
covered by the enemy in the evening, received the 
combined attack of his whole force, and his line was 
completely cut. It is said, though I cannot vouch for 
its truth, that general Winder saw this, and remon- 
strated against it. The gallantry of the 5th, 25th and 



29 

• • • • 

pavt of iliC 23cl and light tioops, saved the army : of 
tlic 5th it is said, that when tlic day broke, not a man 
was missing ; and tliat a part of the 22i.\^ under Major 
Armstrong, m as found sustaining its left llani;. 'Iheip. 
fire was irresistible, and the enemy was compelled to 
give way. Could he have bce?i /ireaard (he Jiej.t morn- 
ir/g, his destruction ivas inevitable. He was dispersed 
in every direction, and even his commaiiding general 
was missing witliout his hat or horse, i understand 
he was fomid the next evening almost fairiislicdj at a 
distance of four miles from the scene of action. 

" Lieutenant M^Chcsney's ii;allantry recovered a 
piece of artillery and prevented the capture of others. 
He merits promotion for it. 

*' On the evening of the 6th of June, I received the 
order, No. 4, and joined the army at 5 in the after- 
noon of the 7th. I found it at the Forty-mile Creek, 
ten miles in the rear of the ground, on which it had 
been attacked, encamped on a plain of about a mile 
in width with its right flank on the lake, and its left 
on the creek, which skirts the base of a perpendicular 
mountain of considerable height. On my route, I re- 
ceived No. 5 and 6, enclosed. 

" At 6 in the evening the h.ostile fleet hove in sight, 
thougii its character could not be ascertained with 
precision. We lay on our arms all night. At dawn 
of day struck our tents, and descried the hostile squad- 
ron abreast of us about a mile from the shore. Our 
boats which transported the principal patt of our bag- 
gage and camp equipage lay on the beach ; it was a 
dead calm : and about six, the enemy towed in a large 
sch.ooner, which opened her fire on our boats. As 
soon as she stood for the shore, her object being evi- 
dent, I ordered dosvn Archer's and 'i'owson's compr- 
nies with four pieces of artillery, to resist hei attempt?. 
I at the same time sent captain Totten, of the engi- 
neers, (a most valuable ofiicer) to construct a tempo- 
rary furnace for heating shot, which was prepared and 
in operation in less than thirty minutes. Her fire was 
returned with a vivacity and effect (excelled by no ar- 
tillciy in the universe) which soon compelled her to 
retire. A party of savages now made their appear- 
ance on the brov7 of the mountain (which being per- 
fectly bald, exhibited them to view^) and comracnccd 

C 2 



3b 

« • • • 

a fire on our camp. I ordered colonel Chrystie to 
dislodpje them, who entered on the service with alac- 
rity, but found himself anticipated by lieutenant El- 
'dridge, the adjutant of the regiment, who witli a 
promptness and gallantry highly honorable to that 
young officer, had already gained the summit of the 
mountain, with a party of volunteers, and routed the 
barbarian allies of the defender of the Christian faith. 
This young man merits the notice of government. 

" These little affairs cost us not a man. Sir James 
L. Yeo being disappointed pf a tragedy, rrext deter- 
mined, in true dramatic style, to amuse us with a 
farce. An officer with a flag was sent to me from his 
ship, advising me, that as I was invested with savages 
in my rear, a fleet in my front, and a powerful army 
on my fiank, he, and the officers commanding his Bri- 
tannic majesty's land forces, thought it a duty to de- 
mand a surrender of my army. I answered that the 
message was too ridiculous to merit a reply. No. 7 
was delivered to me at about 6 this morning. Between 
7 and 8 o'clock, the few waggons we had being load- 
ed, first with sick, and next with ammunition. Sec. the 
residue of camp equipage and baggage was put in the 
boats, and a detachment of tvvo hundred men of the 6th 
regiment detailed to proceed in them.. Orders were 
prepared to be given them to defend the boats, and if 
assailed by any of the enemy's small vessels to carry 
them by boarding. By some irregularity, which I 
have not been able to discover, the boats put off with- 
out the detachments, induced probably by the stillness 
of the morning. When they had progressed about 
three miles, a breeze sprung up, and an armed schoon- 
er overhauled them. Those who were enterprizin^ 
kept on and escaped ; others ran to the shore and de- 
serted their boats. We lost twelve of the number, 
principally containing the baggage of the officers and 
men. 

" At ten I put the army in motion, on our return 
to this place. The savages and incorporated militia, 
hung on our flanks and rear throughout the march, 
and picked up a few stragglers. On our retiring the 
British army advanced, and now occupies, the ground 
weleft." 



SI 

• • « • 

Papers vvjevreil to hy General Lewis. 

Head Quarters, Niagara, June 6, 1813. 

DEAR GEMUIAL, 

You will please to proceed, with as little delay 
as may be, and take command of the advanced army. 
Brigadier generals Boyd and Swartwout, and colonel 
Scott, will accompany you. I have ordered an addi- 
tional escort of light artillery to he equipped as caval- 
ry to attend you. You will attack the enemy as soon 
as practicable ; your force will ensure success ; every 
possible eflbrt should be made for preventing the en- 
emy's escape. 

May success and glory attend you. 
Yours with esteem, 

II. DEARBORN. 
]V!ajor General Lewis. 

Niagara, June 6, 1813. 

DEAR GENKRAL, 

A ship having appeared tliis morning steering 
towards the head of the lake, which is undoubtedly 
one of the enemy's ships ; others ai e appearing ; you 
will please to return with the troops to this place as 
soon as possible. 

Yours, with esteem, 

II. DEARBORN. 

P. S. The object of the enemy's fleet must be in- 
tended to cover the retreat of their troops or to bring 
on a reinforcement. H. D. 

Major Gen. Lewis. 

June 6, 1813. 
It is possible the fleet in sight may be our own ; a 
few hours will probably enable you to determine and 
act accordingly. 

H. DEARBORN. 
General Lewis. 

DEAR GENERAL, 

I am induced to suspect that the enemy's fleet 
have an intention on this place. Two small schoon- 
ers have been examiiiing the shore very minutely for 



• • • • 

three or four hours this afternoon. They have gone 
on tovvartis the liead of the lake, and their ships ap- 
pear to have taken the same course ; they may take 
on board additional troops near the head of the lake 
and be here before you reach this place. You will 
please to send Milton's detachment and 500 of Chan- 
dler's brigade, and colonel Burn's light dragoons vv^ith 
all possible despatch ; they ought, if possible, to be 
here some time to-morrow forenoon. You vv^ill follovr 
with tlic remainder of the troops as soon as pvtictica- 
ble. It will be necessary to .ake care that your boats 
are nor taken or lost. General Svvartwout and colo- 
nel Scott should return as soon as they can. 
Yours with esteem, 

H. DEARBORN. 
General Lewis. 



ORDERS. 

Adjutant General's Office, Head Quarters, 

Fort George, June 10, 1813. 

By reason of the teirrporary indisposition of major 
general Dearborn, the command of the troops on 
this frontier and of the ninth military department of 
the United States, devolves on major general Lewis. 
Ail persons concerned ?a'e notified accordingly. 

By command, 

W. SCOTT, 
Adjutant General, 



Extract of a letter from Colonel James Burn^ 2t/ light 
dragoo7is^ to Major General Dearborn, 
" In the afternoon of the 5th our advance guard, 
consisting of the light infantry, under the command 
of captains Hindman, Biddle and Nicholas, a part of 
the rifle corps under captain Lytle, and a detach- 
ment of the 2d dragoons under captain Selden, com- 
menced a sharp skirmish with the advance of the 
enemy, said to be a detachment of the 49th regiment, 
which soon retreated, covered by a thick woods, hav- 
ing, however, several wounded on both sides, and 
one dragoon horse killed. In the evening our ad- 
vance returned behind Stony creek, where the army 
took a position for the night. The iig!\t infantry, and 



35 

• • • • 

part of the rifle cor])s on the rif^hi of the 25lh regi- 
ment, formed the rit,rlit \vin!^ The ariillery, under 
captains Towson and L. Leonard, the centre. The 
5th, 16th, 23d, and some riflemen, the left win^, and 
the cavalry in the rear. A stront;- picket i^uard Avas 
pustcd some distance in front, also s»ron|^ flank and 
rear guards in such manner as to surround the m hole 
tnrampment with sentinels — the troops lay under 
arms without any covering. Our numbers in the 
field did not exceed one thousand. Three hundred 
effectives of the 13th and Uth regiments having en- 
camped on the borders of the lake, about three miles 
distant, for the protection of the boats. The enemy 
foixcd our picket and attacked us about two o'clock 
in the morning (which was very dark) with their 
army and Indians, expecting, no doubt, to throw us 
into confusion. Their views were, in this instance, 
however, completely frustrated, and when the day 
dawned, none were to be seen except their killed and 
wounded, who covered the field of battle. The at- 
tack began on our right, and was gallantly repelled 
by the fire of the li'^ht troops and 25th regiment, com- 
manded by major Smith. '^ In a i'ew minutes it became 
general along the whole line, and was nobly returned 
by the artillery of the centre, commanded by captains 
Towson and L. Leonard, and again by the troops of 
the left wing, viz. the 5th, under lieutenant colonel 
Milton, the 23d, conimanded by major Armstrong, 
and the 16th. The fire continued with little inter- 
mission for one hour, during which time the enemy 
attempted by frequent charges, to break our line, but 
•without effect, being obliged to give way by the well 
directed fire of our brave troops. 

The 13th and 14th regiments (which had been de- 
tached the preceding evening) were active in making 
prisoners, and advanced with much ardor to the field 
in hopes of sharing with the gallant 5th and 25th, 
23d and light troops, the glory of anotiier combat. 
But the unfortunate capture of brigadier generals 
Chandler ?.nd Winder, who were taken in the action 
unknown to any part of the army, and hurried into the 
enemy's lines, prevented the future operations from 
being carried into effect with the promptitude whicii 
would assuredly have taken place had cither of ihoiic 
•flicersbeen present to command. 



S4 

• • • • 

You will be surprized to find our loss so small— 
that ot the enemy exceeds ours much ; they lost in 
killed about sixty, many wounded, and upwards of 
seventy prisoners, all regulars and principally of the 
49th regiment. Several ol" their officers were killed, 
wounded and missini^. A flag was sent by colonel 
Hervey, askins^ permission to make enquiries for 
them ; also to be allowed to send a surj^eon to attend 
their own wounded, which I readily granted. On the 
return of day-light, I fo\nid the command of the 
army had devolved on me, and being- at a loss what 
steps to pursue in the unpleasant dilemma, occasioned 
by the cap nre of our generals ; findmg the ammuni- 
tion of many of tiie troops nearly expended, I had re- 
course to a council of the field officers present, of 
whom fk majority coincided in opinion with n\e that 
we ouy,ht to retire to our former position at the Forty* 
mile Creek, wliere we could be supplied with a.mmu- 
nition and provisions, and either advance or remain 
until futther orders. 

Every aid was afforded by the staff. The assistant 
adjutant general major Johnson, and brigade majors 
Jones and Wartenby exerted themselves in rendering 
all the assistance in their power. 

Tiie army, on this occasion, has proved its firmness 
and bravery, by keeping its position in a night at- 
tack, in which the yells of the Indians mingled with 
the roaring oi catmon and musketry, were calculated 
to intimidate. The enemy charged repeatedly, and 
so dark wus the night that our army could not distin- 
guish friend from foe ; in one of those they succeed- 
ed in carrying off a six pounder, a howitzer and a 
caisson, to the great mortification of our brave artil- 
lery. I presume it was on that occasion also that we 
lost our generals, who were distinctly heard encou- 
raging cur men to fight. The squadron of dragoons 
remained formed and steady at their post, but could 
not act on account of the darkness of the night and 
the thickness of the adiacent w^oods. Much credit is 
due to the troops generally, but loo much praise can-' 
not be said of the conduct of the 5th and 25th reg- 
iments.'* 



35 

• • • • 

Montreal, June 18, 18IS. 

Sin, 

I decTTi it mj duty to improve t^^c earliest oppor- 
tunity possible, to t^ivc you a more deiaili d account 
oftlic afTaii" of the 6ili instant, near Stony Creek, than 
I have before had it in my power to do. 

On the morning of the 5th, I anived at Forty-mile 
Creek. The detachment under j^eneral Winder was 
then under marchini^* orders for Stony Creek. Aficr 
a short halt the whole marched for that jdace, and ar- 
rived there between five and six o'clock, P. M. at 
which place a small picket of the enemy was posted, 
but retired on our* approach. The advanced i^uard 
pursued, and soon fell in with a picket of about 100 
stroni^, under colonel Williams. A skirmish ensued. 
I hastened the main body. Williains retreated, and 
our advance pursued. The pursuit was continued 
rather lont^er than I could have wished, but returned 
to their proper position in the line of march, not far 
from sun set. I had ordered the 13ih and 14th, who 
"were in the rear, to take a position for the ni^lit near 
the mouth of the creek, to cover the boats, (should 
they arrive) which would be on the route which I 
intended to pursue tlw next morning, and a favorable 
position presenting itself, I encamped with the residue 
of the troops (except captain Archer's company of 
artillery, which accompanied the I3ih and i ith) on the 
spot where we had halted, with an advanced picket 
from half to three quarters of a mile in front with ex- 
press orders for them to keep out constantly a patrole. 
A right and left flank guard and a rear guard were 
also posted. I gave positive orders for the troops to 
lay on iheir arms. Contrary to my orders fires were 
kindled ; but there are doubts whether this operated 
for or against us, as the fires of tlie 25th, which were 
in front, and by my orders had been abandoned, ena- 
bled to see a small part of the enemy, while the fires 
on our left enabled the enemy to set our line. On the 
whole, I think it operated against us I did expect 
the enemy would attack us that night if he intended 
10 fight ; but perhaps this was not expected by all I 
had my horse confined near mc, and directed that tho 
harness should not be taken from Uie uriillcry hordes. 



35 
« • • • 

I directed where and how the line should be formed, 
in case of attack. About an hour before day light, on 
the morning of the 6tli, the alarm was given. 1 was 
instantly up, and the 25th, which lay near me, was 
almost as instantly formed, as well as the 5th and 
23d, which was on the left, under the immediate eye 
of general Winder. Owing to the neglect of the front 
picket, or some other cause, the British officers say, 
that they were not liailed, or an alarm given, until 
they were within three hundred yards of our line. 
The extreme darkness prevented us from seeing or 
knowing at what point they intended to attack us, 
until an attack was made on our right. A well di- 
rected fire was opened upon them from the 25th and 
from nearly the whole line. After a few minutes I 
heard several muskets in our rear, in the direction of 
the rear guard, and then expected that the enemy had 
gained our rear by some path unknown to me, and 
were about to attack us in rear. I instantly ordered 
colonel Milton, with the 5th, to form in our rear near 
the woods, to meet such circumstances as might take 
place, knovvmg that I could call him to any other 
point, if necessary, at any moment. 1 had observed, 
that the artillery was not covered, and directed gene- 
ral Winder to cause the 23d to he formed so far to the 
right, that their right should cover the artillery At 
this moment I heard a new burst of fire from the ene- 
my's left on our right, and not able to see any thing 
which took place, I set out full speed towards the 
right, to take measures to prevent my right Hank from 
being turned, which I expected was the object of the 
enemy. I had proceeded but a few yards, before my 
horse fell under me, by which fall I received a serious 
injury. Here was a time when I have no recollection 
of what passed, but I presume it was not long. As 
soon as 1 recovered, 1 recollected what my object was, 
and made my way to the right, and gave major Smith 
such directions as 1 thought proper, to prevent his 
right from being turned by surprise. I was then re- 
turning toward the centre, and when near the artillery, 
heard mtn, who, by ihe noise, appeared to be in con- 
fusion, it being the point at which I expected the 23d 
to be formed. I expected it was that regiment. I 
approached them, and as soon as 1 was near enough, 



• • • p 

I saw a body of men, ^vho I thought to be the 25d, in 
rear of the anillcry, broken. I hobbled in amongst 
them, and began to rally them, and directed thciu to 
form ; but I soon found my mistake : it was the Bri- 
tish 49th, who had pushed forward to the head of tlieir 
column and gained the rear of the artillery. I was 
immediately disarmed and conveyed down the column 
to its rear. It was not yet day, and the extreme 
darkness of the night, to which was added tiie smoke 
of the fire, put it totally out of our power to see the 
situation of the enemy. This was all that saved their 
■columns from sure and total destruction, of which 
some of their ofTicers are aware. After seeing the si- 
tuation of the column as I passed, I did hope and ex- 
pect th(st general Winder, on the first dawn of light, 
would see their shuation, and bring colonel Milton 
■with the 5th, (who I had still kept in reserve until I 
could have day-light to discern their situation) to at- 
tack this column, v/hich, I am sure, he would have 
done to advantage ; but, to my mortification, I soon 
learned that he had fallen into the same mistake with 
myself; and by endeavoring to learn what was taking 
place in the centre, he was also taken, as well as ma- 
jor Van De Venter. To the extreme darkness of the 
night, the enemy's knowledge of his intended point 
of attack, and our not knowing at what point to ex- 
pect him, must be attributed his partial success, and 
not to a want of strength or bravery in our troops, 
•who, generally, behaved remarkably w^ell under all the 
circumstances ; and however unfortunate the event, 
as it relates to myself, I only ask that all the circum- 
stances may be taken into consideration, in making up 
your opinion upon the conduct of general Winder and 
myself in this affair, which I am sure you will do, and 
I flatter myself you will see no cause of censure. I 
regret that my decrepid situation, and the rapidity 
with which we have been brought to this place, has 
put it out of my power to give you a detailed account 
of the afl'air earlier. I am now able to walk some with 
the aid of a cane, and I hope I shall continue to re- 
cover. I have the honor to be, Sec. S^.c. 

JOHN CHANDLEPm 

Brigadier General. 
Major General Dearborn. 

D 



Head Quaiters, Fort George, June 12th. 
SIR, 

As the general is unable to write, I am directed 
by him to inform you, that in addition to the debility 
and fever he has been afflicted with, he has within the 
last twenty-four hours experienced a violent spasmo- 
dic attack on his breast, which has obli£i:ed him to re- 
linquish business aUogetlicr, and the command is p^iv- 
cn over to major general Lewis, who will in future 
make the necessary communications to the depart- 
ment of war. The British fleet still rides triumphant 
in this section of the lake. 

1 have the honor to be, Sir, 

With great respect and consideration, 
Your obedient and humble servant, 
SAMUEL S. CONNOR, 
ji. D. C. to General Dearborn. 
Hon. General John Armstrong-, 
Secretary of War. 

Esctract of a letter from the Secretary at War te 
Alajor General Dearborn^ dated 

War Department, June 19, 1813. 

" Your letters of the Cth and 8th instant have been 
received. There is, indeed, some strange fatality at- 
tending our efforts. I cannot disguise from you the 
surfirise occasioned by the tvjo escapes of a beaten 
enemy ; first on the 27*h ultimo, and again on the 1st 
instant. Battles are not gained when an infcvior and 
broken enemy is not destroyed. Nothing is done, 
while any thing that might have been done is omitted. 
This maxim is as old as the profession of arms, and 
in no walk of life applies with as much foi-ce as in that 
of a soldier. 

" Should Proctor have retired from Maiden, and 
been able to efiect a junction with Vincent's corps at 
the head of the lake, it has been done for one of two 
purposes; either to dispute, with you the possession 
of the peninsula, or more securely to eft'ect their gen- 
eral retreat to Kingston. The latter is the more pro- 
bable conjecture of the two, and is strengthened by 
the appearance of Yeo on the upper part of the lake, 
and by the position which Vincent has taken there." 



n 



9 



EXTRACT. 

Head Quarters, Fort George, June 20, 18 13. 

SIR, . . 

, I liavc been so reduced in strength as to be in- 

capable of any ronniumd. lirigiidicr r-eneral lioyd 
is the only general oHker present, and from resigna- 
tions, sickness, and other contingencies, the nuniber 
of regimental officers present fit for duly are far below 
Avhut the service requires. A considerable proportion 
of our army being composed of new recruits, and the 
weather having been extremely unfavorable to health, 
the sick have become so numerous, in addition to the 
wounded, as to reduce the etTective force far below 
-what could have been contemplated ; but if the weath- 
er should become favorable, which ought to be ex- 
pected, a great part of the sick will probably be fit for 
duty in a short time. The enemy have been rein- 
forced at the head of the lake with about 500 men- of 
.the 104th regiment. A vessel carrying ammunition 
and other munitions of war, bound to the head of the 
lake, was captured four days since by one of commo- 
dore Chauncey's schooners, from which I conclude, 
, that the enemy will endeavor to keep up such a force 
at or near the head of the lake, as to prevent any part 
of our force in this quarter from joining or proceed- 
ing to Sackett's Harbor for the purpose of attacking 
Kingston ; and such is the state of the roads in this 
flat country, in consequence of continual rains, as to 
render any operations against the enemy extremely 
diiFicult without the aid of a fleet for the transportation 
of provisions, ammunition and other necessary sup- 
plies. The enemy would probably retreat on our ap- 
proach and keep out of our reach, being covered by 
one or more armed vessels, which remain on this part 
of the lake. The whole of these enibarrassments have 
resulted from a temporary loss of the command ot the 
lake. The enemy has availed himself of the advan- 
tage and forwarded reinforcements and supplies." 

Extract of a Utter from the Secretary at Jt'ar to 
Major General Dearborn^ dated 

War Department, July 1, 1SI3. 
" The leisure you now have offers a fine uppor- 



4a 
• • • • 

tunity for the adjutants and inspectors g-eneral to at- 
tend to their particular duties. Some of the parties 
of which you speak from the enemy, may practise a 
trick on those who follow them. These last ought to 
be very circujnsfiect. Chauncey will, I hope, soon 
re- appear on the lake. A battle will then decide 
which of us shall be victor for the campaign. I am 
afraid that we have all along acted on a belief, very \ 
pleasing, but ill founded, viz. that we were ahead of 
the enemy as to naval means and naval preparation on ijj 
the lakes. Are we sure that our calculations with 
regard to lake Erie have been better than those with 
regard to lake Ontario ? A week or two will decide, 
this question. 



jj 



Head Quarters, Fort George, June 25, 1813. 
SIR, 

I have the mortification of informing you of an 
unfortunate and unaccountable event, which occurred 
yesterday. On the 23d, at evening, lieutenant colo- 
nel Boerstler with 570 men, infantry, artillery, cavalry, 
and riflemen, in due proportion, was ordered to march, 
by the way of Qucenstown, to a place called the Bea- 
ver Dams, on the high ground, about eight or nine 
miles from Queenstown, to attack and disperse a body 
of the enemy collecteo^here for the purpose of pro- 
curing provisions, and harrassing those inhabitants | 
who are considered friendly to the United States ; — 
their force was, from the most direct information, 
composed of one company of the 104th regiment, a- 
bove 80 strong : from 150 to 200 militia, and from 50 
to 60 Indians. At eight o'clock yesterday morning, 
when within about two miles of the Beaver Dams, 
our detachment was attacked from an ambuscade, but 
soon drove the enemy some distance into the woods, 
and then retired to a clear field, and sent an express 
for a reinforcement, saying, he would maintain his po- 
sition until reinforced. A reinforcement of 300 men 
marched immediately under the command of colonel 
Chrystie, but on arriving at Queenstown, colonel 
Chrystie received authentic informatisn that lieuten- 
ant colonel Boerstler with his command had surren- 
dered to the enemy, and the reinforcement returned 
to camp. A man who belonged to a small corps of 



V 



41 

a ■ • • • 

mounted volunteer riflemen, came in this mornin.'^, 
who states, that tlie enemy surrounded our dciach- 
ment in the wo;)ds, and towards 12 o'clock commen- 
ced a general attack ; that our troops i'oui^iu mure 
tiian two hours, uiuil the artillei'y had expended the 
whole of its ammunition, Vind tlicn surrendered, and 
at the time of the surrender the informant made his 
escape. Why it should have been deemed proper to 
remain several hours in a position surrounded with 
woods without either risking a decisive action, or ef- 
fecting a retreat, remains tc^ be accounted for, as well 
as the project of waiting: for a reinforcement from a 
distance of fifteen or sixteen miles. 

No information has been received of the killed or 
wounded. The enemy's ileet has again arrived in 
our neighborhood. 

With respect and esteem, 
I am, sir, 

Your humble servant, 

11. DEARBORN. 
.Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 



War Department, July 6, 1813. 
SIR, 

I have the President's orders to express to you 
his decision, that you retire from the command of dis- 
trict No. 9, and of the troops within the same, until 
your health be re-established, and until farther or- 
ders. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 
With very great respect. 
Your most obedient 

And very humble servant, 
JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
.Major General Henry Dearborn. 



D 2 



42 



CORRESPONDENCE 

BETWEEN THE 

Secretary of War and Brigadier Gen, Boyd, 

JExtract of a letter from the Secretary of JFar ti> 
Brigadier General Boyd^ dated 

War Department, July 30, 1813. 
" The restriction put upon you with regard ta 
the enemy, was but commensurate with their com- 
mand of the lake. So long as they had wings and you 
had only feet ; so long as they could be transported, 
'jupplied and reinforced, by water aird at will, com- 
mon sense, as well as military principles, put you on 
the defensive. These circumstances changed, the 
reason of the rule changes with them ; and it now be- 
comes your business, in concert with the fleet, to ha- 
rass and destroy the enemy, wherever you can find 
him. Of the competency of your force there can be 
no doubt, provided your estimate of his be but toler- 
ably correct. 



SIR, War Department, July 30, 1813. 

I have this moment received information that 
fort Meigs is again attacked, and by a considerable 
regular force. This must have been drawn from Dc 
Rottenberg*s corps. His late insolence in pushing 
his small attacks to the very outline of your works, has 
been intended to mask the weakness produced by this 
detachment. If (as you say) you can beat him, do 
it without delay ; and remember, that if you beat, yoii 
must destroy him. There is no excuse for a general 
who permits a beaten enemy to escape and to rally. 
These remarks grow out of some recent events in 
your quarter, and require no explanation. It is the 
President's wish that you should communicate fully 
and freely with brigadier general Williams. It is 
only by this kind of intercourse that the efforts of all 
can be united in promoting the public good. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your most obedient, humble servant, 
JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Brigadier General Boyd, Fort George. 



43 



Extract of a letter from Brigadier General John P, 
Boxjd to the Hecretary of JTar^ dated 

Head Quarters, Fort George, July 27, 1813. 

*' I had the honor to address you last on the 2Uh 
instant. On the 22d instant, general Lewis and com- 
modore Chauncey were advised by me that from in- 
telligence received from major Chapin and deser- 
ters, most of the enemy's captured ordnance and their 
principal depot of ammunition, stores, 5<:c. are at the 
head of the lake. It was suggested that a small force 
might surprise, take, destroy, or bring them off, if 
part of the fleet might be aJlowed to assist in moving 
our troops. 

Yesterday the Lady of the Lake brought me a letter 
from commodore Chauncey, stating that he approved 
of the enterprise, and rjofdd go himfielf with his fleet 
to the head of the lake^ and requested guides, infor- 
mation. Sec. I have deemed it proper to detail a 
number of troops under the command of colonel 
Scott, which will embark on board the Lady of the 
Lake, with directions to join the squadron, which 
is believed to be now somewhere near Little York.'' 



>* 



Extract of a letter from Brigadier General Boyd /o 
the Secretary ofWar^ dated 

Fort George, July 31, 1813. 

** I had the honor to address you on the 27th 
instant. Agreeably to th<^ plan therein suggested, 
commodore Chauncey arrived here on the 28th in- 
stant, and received on board the fleet a body of men 
under the command of colonel Scott. Light and 
contrary winds retard their progress up the lake, hut 
ere this the attack has probably Ijeen made on the 
head of the lake. No information has yet been re- 
ceived. 

" The enemy has lately kept his Indians so constant- 
ly scouiing the woods of our vicinity, that we gain n* 
deserters nor intelligence of his movcmenLs." 



44 



Colonel Scott^s Refiort* 

Fort George, Augusts, 1813. 
SIR, 

I have the honor to report, that in obecUnnce 
to your orders I proceeded on board the fleet with the 
•detachment of troops under my command, destined to 
act against the enemy's post at the head of Little lake, 
or Burlington bay ; in sight of which place I arrived 
late in the evening of the 30th ultimo, the fleet having 
been greatly delayed by the almost constant calm 
which has prevailed since we sailed. 

This delay of forty-eight hours, after our destination 
became obvious to the enemy, enabled him to antici- 
pate our ariival by a reinforcement of 200 men from 
the nearest posts on this side of the lake, of which 
we were early apprized. Nevertheless, commodore 
Chauncey, with my concurrence, thought it advisable 
to land the detachment from the army, together with 
about 250 marines and seamen from the fleet, (mak» 
ing a total force of about 500 men) the better to 
enable us to ascertain the exact force and position of 
the enemy's camp. The landing was made on the 
neck of land which nearly cuts oft' the I^ittle lake from 
lake Ontario. From this point^ve could plainly dis- 
tovcr the enemy's position on Burlington heights, 
surrounded on three sides by a creek, and in front by 
an entrenchment and a battery of seven pieces of can- 
non. The Little lake or bay is between those two 
points, six or seven miles across. 

Perceiving the strength of the enemy's position, and 
learning from the inhabitants, that the force on the 
heights, independent of the reinforcement above men- 
tioned, was nearly equal to our own, the commodoie 
determined not to risk an attack, especially as our 
boats would have been greatly annoyed in the ascent 
towards the head of the bay, by a small schooner of 
the enemy's, having on board one 18 pound carronade. 
The channel connecting the two lakes did not affurd 
water for the passage of either of our schooners. In 
the above opinion I fully concurred with the commo- 
dore. It may be added, that the enemy received a 
further reinforcement of 400 men the same evening by 
land from Kingston. 



I 45 

I 

• • • • 

On our return to this harbor the. ilcct put Into 
York, at which place we burnt the barracks and public 
stores, unci brought cfi" one piece of ordnance, (24 
pounder) eleven batteaux, and about 400 barrels of 
flour and hard bread. The barracks and stores had 
been tepaired since the 27th May. Thirty or forty 
sick and wounded in hospital, were paroled, and four 
prisoners (regulars) brought off. There had been no 
garrison at the place for the few days previous, 
1 have the honor to be, sir, 
Your most obedient servant, 

W. SCOTT, 
Ccl. Com. detachment* 
Brigadier General Boyd, Commanding, &c. &c. 

Extract of a letter from Brigadier General John P, 
Boyd to the Secretary ofWar^ dated 

Head Quarters, Fort George, U. C. August 8, 1813. 

" By Tuesday's mail I had the honor to receive 
your commands of tne 30ih instant, and yesterday a 
number of letters enclosed, which were delivered as 
directed. 

" Conceiving myself at liberty to act offensively 
on the arrival of the fleet, an expedition was immedi- 
ately concerted against the enemy, and acceded to by- 
commodore Chauncey. One thousand was to embark 
on board the fleet, under the command of brigadier 
general Williams, to land at the head of the lake. 
The army at this place was to move in two columns, 
against the enemy's front, while general Williams 
assailed his rear and cut off his retreat. Yesterday- 
morning, the time when the troops were to have era- 
barked, the enemy's fleet was discovered off this 
place. 

" Commodore Chauncey weighed anchor, ap- 
proached him, and by every indic-ition, that a lee- 
ward position would admit, offered t© engage." 

Head Quarters, Fort George, August 12, 1813. 
SIR, 

I had the honor to address you the 8th instant. 
Unfavoiable winds continued to thwart the wishes of 
commodore Chauncey to bring the enemy to action ; 



46 

• • • • 

and about the 9th instant he was so unfortunate as to 
lose, in a squall, two small schooners, which upset. 
On the night of the lOth a severe cannonade was 
heard on the lake, which we ascertained in the morn- 
ing, resulted in the loss of two of our smallest schoon- 
ers. Undiscouraged by these slight disasters, commo- 
dore Chauncey is still in pursuit of the enemy, resolved 
to bring him to a general engagement. These cir- < 
cumstances have necessarily delayed the attack upon 
the enemy, which was contemplated in my la*;t letter. 
General Porter is assembling a body of volunteers ' 
and Indians at Buffalo, witli a view to co-operate in this 
enterprise. He will probably join us soon. Any- 
thing which can be done without the co-operation of 
the fleet, shall be attempted. To attack the enemy, 
without being able to cut off his retreat, v/ould be only 
beating without capturing him. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 
With great respect. 

Your most obedient servant, 

JOliN P. BOYD, 
Brigadier General Comma^idiv^, 
Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 

Head Quarters; Fort (ieorge, August 15, 1813. 

Sir, 

1 had the honor to address you on the 12th in- 
stant. Since which time nothing of importance has 
occurred. Commodore Chauncey has left this part 
of the lake, and the enemy have now so far the as- 
cendancy as to render the proposed enterprise against 
his land force impracticable. Yesterday general Porter' 
arrived at this place with a body of volunteers and 
Indians, which had been previously assembled at Buf- 
falo. In the event of such an attack as we con- 
templated, this force would be of infinite service. At 
present they can only be employed to harass the ene- 
my. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

JOHN P. BOYD, 
Brigadier Gc7ieral Commanding, 
Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary at War. 



Letters from the Secretary at War to Major General 
Lewis, commanding at Sackctt's Harbor. 

Extract of a letter from the Secretary of JVar to Afujor 

General Lewisy dated 

War Department, July 9, 1813. 

" An order was expedited to general Dcaiborii 
yesterday, permitting him to retire from the command 
of the army and district. Another was sent to Boyd 
forbidding him to engage in any affair with the ene- 
my that could be avoided, and subjecting him to the 
orders of major general Hampton and of yourself — 
This last (for Hampton is now the oldest officer in 
the district) was intended to meet the contingency 
suggested in my last letter, viz. that if we regained 
the command of the lake, anil Yeo retired under the 
guns of Kingston ; that this moment of superiority 
must not be lost, and that bringing down Boyd's di- 
vision a blow might be struck at that place. To fa- 
vor this enterprise, orders will be sent to general 
Hampton to push his head quarters to the position 
held by our aimy the last campaign on lake Cham- 
plain ; and a requisition for ten thousand militia from 
the states of New- York and Vermont, in reinforce- 
ment of this part of the plan, will be superadded. 

" The moment Chauneey goes out our stores along 
the south shore of the lake should be brought down 
to the harbor, and in that case, your small posts 
(consisting of regular troops) drawn into your main 
body." 

War Department, Julv 3, 1813. 
SIR, 

It is not merely possible, but probable, that the 
British fleet in lake Ontario may, upon the fitting out 
the General Pike, refuse a battle and take shelter 
under the guns of Kingston until thc^ir new brig shall 
restore to them the superiority. A question of much 
importance arises on this supposed state of things. — • 
What will be the best possible employment of our 
force during the pei iod we maybe able to command 
the lake ? Shall we ninioico the troops at fort 
George from Sackett's Harbor and cut off Vincent, 



48 
• • • • 

or shall we bring from fort George the mass of the 
division there, and uniting them to your present com- 
mand, attack the enemy at Kingston ? If the latter 
part of the alternative be adopted, two things must \ 
be done. A heavy body of militia should be assem- 
bled at Ogdensburg, to draw to that point the enemy's 
attention, and general Hampton should move rapidly 
and in force against Montreal. Our assembled force 
at Sackett's Harbor would amount to seven thousand 
men, independently of the naval means. The ene- 
miy's land force at Kingston is about four thousand. — 
Could a successful attack be made here, the fate of 
the campaign is decided — perhaps that of the war. 
The object is great ; but in proportion as it is so, the 

means of effecting it ought to be well considered. 

From the sketches I have been able to procure of 
Kingston and its vicinity, 1 have no doubt but that the 
attack should be made on the works which cover the 
battery on Navy Point. These gained, town, battery, 
and harbor are all at your discretion. Beware of di- 
viding your attack. Confine it to a single point, but 
let that point be a commanding one. 
Believe me, general, 

Very respectfully and faithfully yours, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Major Gen. Lewis, Sackett's Ilabor. 



CORRESPONDENCE 

BETWEEX THE 

Secretary of War and Maj, General Harrison, 

Extract of a letter frum the Secretary of War to 
Major General William H. Harrison^ dated 

War Department, March 5, 1813- 
** 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your despatches of the 1 Uh and 20th ultimo. 

V The suspension of your movement in advance, 
appears to have been necessary ; but though this 
may be the case, your demonstrations against Mai- 
den should not cease. These you v»'iil make in such 



49 

• • • • 

way as shall be best calculated to keep up the ene- 
my's alarm for the safety of that post, and of the ships 
of war winterinj^ thcie. You Mill he luorc able to 
appreciate the value of this policy wiicn 1 state, tliat 
\vc shall very soon be in motion on the Niagara and 
St. Lawrence. 

" You did well in stoppint^ the march of the two 
regiments from Ohio. To have added to your force 
so long as your object is restricted to the maintenance 
of your present position, \\ould have been a very use- 
Jess expenditure of both public spirit and public 
money. 

" As your campaign is now at an end, and yet near- 
ly approached to that which is coming, it may be 
proper to communicate to you the president's views 
in relation to your subsequent movements. 

" It would appear that Maiden can only be suc- 
cessfully approached by the route you are now up- 
on, at two seasons of the year — mid-winter and mid- 
summer. The former is gone, and to wait for the 
latter would be hardly less disastrous than defeat 
itself. What remains for us to do is to keep our 
present ground till the lake opens, and then to ap- 
proach our object by water, and under convoy of the 
vessels of war building at Presque Isle. These will 
be afloat and ready to operate by the middle of May. 
By the same time boats for the transportation of the 
troops, a train of artillery, baggage. Sec. may be con- 
structed. Cleveland is believed to be the place best 
fitted for this purpose. It will also be made the de- 
pot for the troops to be employed on the expedition, 
which will be the 24th regiment now at Massa-c ; and 
three of the twenty new regiments provided by an act 
of the session of congress which closed yesterday. 
Two of these will be raised in the state of Ohio, and 
the third in that of Kentucky. 

'^ Whatever these troops may fall short of the num- 
ber and strength contemplated by the laws under 
which they shall be raised, must necessarily be made 
up from militia and volunteers ; whence will arise 
the necessiiy of strictly attending to the progress of 
enlistments, so that in the event of their failure, which 
may be readily foreseen, time may be lift for resort- 
ing to the other expedient." 

E 



50 
• • • • 

War Department, March r, 1815. 

SIR, 

Your letter of the 18th of February was, from 

some cause, delayed much beyond the usual course of 

the mail, and even some days after the receipt of 

your despatch of the 20Lh. 

You will find by mv letter of the 5th instant, the 
plan prescribed for your part of the ensuing campaign ; 
and to prevent any ill effect arising from its miscar- 
riage, a second copy is herewith inclosed. It is pro- 
bable that colonels M'Arthur and Cass will both be 
promoted to the rank of brigadier, and will be assign- 
ed to the command of the two brigades intended to 
form your division of the army. In the enumeration 
of corps making parts of this division, I did not m.en- 
tion the two regiments of the line, the I7ih and 19lh, 
parts of which are already with you. The filling up 
of these would be an important service, and you are 
requested to promote it. If you are at ease with re- 
gard to the safety of your present post, against the 
attacks of the enemy, and have secured to yourself the 
means of subsisting: it, there can be no motive for either 
reinforcing it by new drafts from the mihtia, or rear- 
ing from it. If, on the other hand, your force should 
be so reduced as to make your stay ])ei ilous, without a 
further reinforcement, you may employ the two regi- 
ments raised in Ohio, or so many of them as may be 
iiecessary to your object. If again, the policy of 
adding to your force be forbidden, by the difiicuhy of 
subsisting it, and there arises i-i combination of both 
facts, viz : a want of force to maintain your present 
position, and a want of means to subsist a larger one, in 
that case, and in that alone, you will retire to the 
frontier settlements, and interpose the wilderness be- 
tween you and the enemy. 

These directions have not grown out of any sug- 
gestions to be found in your letters, but have been 
produced by a circumspection wliich it is always 
proper to extend beyond the mere limits of existing 
circumstances. I am, sir, with great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

JOHN ARMSTRONa 
Major General V/iUiam H. Harrison, 
Frank linion, Ohio. 



51 

• • * • 

War Department, March 9, 13 13. 

SIR, 

The p^ovcrnmcnt have the uUcntion of huildinij a 
minibei- of boats on lake l">ric, for thfj purpose; of 
trar.sporiint^ troops on that hike. Cleveland is the 
point farthest west, where any portion of these can be 
iTia.le with sullicicnt expedition. If the whole could 
be uKule there the better. These boats will be of the 
kind known by the name of Schenectady boats, narrow, 
j^nd sliarp a-head, and Hat-bottoined. They will carry 
from forty to lilty men car h. with their bai3^g;aj^c, arms 
and accouircments, and provision for the voyai^c. It 
is proposed to commit the siiperintcnclence of this ser- 
vice to you, and to bestow upon you, pro hac vice, the 
staff appointment of dej)uly quarter master i^eneral. 
If worumcn cannot be found at Cleveland and other 
places on the lake, you will take them from Pittbburti;h. 
Such materials as you may v/ant, other than those ])ro- 
duced by the country itself, you will provide at Pitts- 
burgh and have sent on without delay. Funds, for 
this purpose, v/ill be put under your control, and you 
•will be careful to make reports weekly of your progress. 
Very respectfully, I am, sir, 
Your obedient servant, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Captain. Jessnp, Washington. 



Extract of a letter from jLijor General IVilliain H. 
Harrison to the Secretary of IVar^ dated 

Head-Quarters, Chilicothe, March 17, 1813. 

" The known candor of your character is a sufii- 
cient security for my receiving your pardon for the 
liberty 1 take in making objections to the plan of ope- 
rations communicated in your letter of the 5th instant. 
If titcre is a positive certainty of our getting the com- 
mand of lake Erie, and having a rep:ular force of three 
thous nd five hundred, or even three thousand, well 
disciplined men, the proposed plan of setting out from 
Cleveland, and landing on the northern shore, below 
Maiden, would perhaps be the one by which that place 
and its dependencies could be most easily reduced. I 
am unacquainted with the extent of t!ie preparations 
that are making to obtain the naval superiority upon 



52 

• • * • 

i ike Erie ; but, should they fail and the troops be as- 
sembled at Cleveland, it would be diificiilt to get again 
upon the proper track for making the attack round the 
head of the lake. The attempt to cross the lake from 
Clevidand should not be made with any other than well 
diocipliaed troops. A comparatively smaller number 
of men of this description could effect the object, and 
fir thoNe the means of conveyance might be obtained ; 
bill the means of transporting such an army as would 
be required of militia, or undisciplined regulars, could 
not he procured. I can sec no reason why Cleveland 
should be preferred as the point of embarkation for 
the troops, or the deposit of provisions and stores. 
These are already accumulated at the rapids of Miami, 
or in situations to be easily sent thither to an amount 
bearly equal to the consumption of a protracted cam- 
paign. Although the expense and difficulty of trans- 
porting the provisions, artillery and stores for an army, 
round the head of the hike, would be very considerable, 
tlic lake being pos^ressed by our ships, and the heavy 
baggp.ge taken in boato along its margin, the troops 
v/ould (ikI no difficulty in thj land route. The force 
contempLued in your letter is, in my opinion, not suffi- 
cient to secure success. Admitting that the whole 
aliould be rrtised by the time pointed out, they would 
be very little superior to militia ; the officers having, 
with s'-iarccly an exception, to learn their duty before 
thev cuuld instruct their men ; we have, therefore, no 
alternative but to make up by numbers the deficiency 
in dis'-ipline. 

*^ I um well aware of the intolerable expense which 
attends the employment of a large militia force. We 
are now, however, in a situation to avoid those errors, 
which made that of the last campaign so peculiarly 
heavy. Our supplies are procured, and so deposited 
that the period for the march of the army from the ad- 
vanced posts can be ascertained to an hour, and of 
course the troops need not be called out until the mo- 
ment they are to act. Experience has convinced me 
that militia are more efficient in the early than in the 
latter part of their service. Upon the whole, it is my 
decided opinion, that the rapids of Miami should be 
the point of rendezvous for the troops, as well as the 
principal depot. Indeed it must necessarily be the 



5S 

first deposit — the provisions for ihe army be so phced 
iiiat t!iey can l)e laken to ihe lukc in no olher way. 
The ariiilery and a cojisiderable supply oi' annmiiniiion 
are already iheie. Boats and i)etoui;c.s have been built 
in considerable nunibejs'on the Aui^laize and St. Ma- 
ry's rivers ; •i.nd every exertion i:3 now making to in- 
crease them, intended for ilie tJonblc puipo^e of taking 
down t!ie provisions to the rapids, and for coasting the 
lake with the bagcjage of the arj.iy in iis advance. I 
had calculated ujion bein^; able pr.riially to use this 
mode of trans, ortation, even if the encu)}- should con- 
tinue iheii navdl superioiity oiy the -lake ; but, with 
this advantn;^e on our side, the whole bagtifaf^e of the 
ar:r>y could be stifely and ex,KrditioMsiy c^uried alont^ 
the coast in the bo..ts and perouges vhicli could be 
taken into the strait to transport iht; army lo the Canada 
shore. 

*' As I have before obstrved, the army, unincum- 
bered with heavy baj^^age, would find r>o r'ifticulty in 
wiarchin,c^ round the lake at any season, but what the 
enemy would create, and we have the nican^ of sub- 
sisting a force li^iat wouk! be irresistibic. 

*• Tlie objections to proceeding tl/is way, stated in 
my letter to colonel Monroe, arose, from the time that 
■would be necessary to construct boats after we should 
have arrived at the strait ; but this objection is en- 
tirely obviated by our obtaining the conin:and of the 
lake, as the boats and perouges built upon the Miami 
will answer the purptise. With regard to the quan- 
tum of force, my opinion is, that not only the regular 
troops, designated in your letter, but a large auxiliary 
corps of militia should be employed. The only ob- 
jection arises from the expensiveness of troops of that 
description. This, however, could not be an object, 
considering the very short time that it would be ne- 
cessary to employ them. Let the moment for the 
commencement of the march from the rapids be fixed, 
and the militia miglit be taken to that poii»t, proceed 
and accomplish the object, and return home in two 
months. 

*' Amongst the reasons which makes it necessary 
to employ a large force, I am sorry to mention the 
dismay and disinclination to the service which appears 
to prevail iii the western country j numbers must ^ivc 

F 



■ 54 

• » • • 

that confidence which ought to be produced by con- 
scious valor and intrepidity, which never existed in 
any arnny in a superior degree, than amongst the 
greater part of the militia which v/ere with me 
through the winter. The nev/ drafts from this state 
are entirely of another character, and are not to be 
depended upon. I have no doubt, however, but a 
sufficient number of good men can be procured, and 
should they be allowed to serve on horseback, Ken- 
tucky would furnish some regiments that would be 
not inferior to those that fought at the river Raisin, 
and they were, m my opinion, superior to any m.ilitia 
that ever took the field in modern times. Eight 
troops of cavalry have been formed in Kcnincky, to 
offer me their service ; and several of them were in- 
tended for twelve month volunteers. Governor Shelby 
has some thoughts of taking the fieldin person — a num- 
ber of good men will follow him. fie thinks that an 
address from me to the people of the state would pro- 
duce a good effect : I have strong objections to those 
addresses, but will nevertheless have recourse to one, 
should other means fail of bringing forward a sufficient 
force. 

" Every exertion shall in the meantime be used to 
forward the recruiting service : for a few weeks I think 
that my services would be more useful in that than any 
other employment." 



War Department, April 4, 1813. 
SIR, 

Your despatch of the 17th ultimo, from Chilicothe, 
has been received, and I hasten to repeat to you the 
views of the president, in relation to the next cam- 
paign, and the ii'j unctions growing out of these, with 
regard to the employment of miiitia. &c. 

Our first object is to get a command of the lakes. 
Means to accomplish this object have been taken, and 
we have the fullest assurance, that by the 1st day of 
June it will be accomplished. 

This fact assumed, there can be no longer a doubt 
by what means, or by what route, the division of the 
army assigned to you, ought to approach Maiden. A 
passage by water will carry you directly to the fortress 
you v.'ould attack, without impairing your strength by 



^3 



falig'ue, or diminishing^ it hy biitllc. A passiat^^c by 
ia?id will, on the oliicr banc!, call for great eflbilb, and 
expose you to great losses, nliicli, it' lliey du not de- 
stroy, will at least cripple you. 'llie lornicr will he 
easy, safe, and econonucal ; the latter dilUcuU, dan- 
gerous, and enormously expensive, 

On the other suppobilion, that wc fail to ohtain the 
conun and of the lake, a new qu.stion will aiise : whe- 
ther the canipai:^n shall take an circnslve or defensive 
charact. r ? Be this question determined as it may, 
the ul:nost extent which can be given to the force em- 
ployed, will be seven thousand effec'.ives 

\'aiious reasons deteiminc this point. The encuiy 
have never had in the field, for the ilefencc of Maiden, 
more t'lan two thousand men. Their number has ni> 
doubt been hithcrio limited by their means of subsis- 
tence, and this cause is not likely to sulfei' any very 
material change in thtir favor iluring the ensuing can)- 
paign. More than seven thousand men, therefore, 
would be unnecessary on our part. Again ; to main- 
tain a greater nmnber, would be iiripraciicable, in the 
present state of the treasury. 

It now remains only to signify to you, clearly and 
distinctly, the kind of force the government meari 
hereafter to employ in offensive operations, if it can b& 
obtained. 

Wheii the legislature, at their last session, adopted 
the measure of augmenting the army to fif;y-two regi- 
ments of the line, it was expressly in the view of su- 
perceding hereafter the necessity of employing militia, 
excepting in moments of actual ijivasion. In obedi- 
ence to this policy, the president assigned to the 8th 
military district of the United States four of these new 
regiments, which, if filled, and superadded to tl;e two 
regiments of the line now in that distiict, an i the 24lh 
in march for it, wid give a total of seven regiments, or 
seven thousand men. This number forbids the belief, 
that any employment of miiiiia drafts wi'd be necessary, 
when it shall have been collected. 3 ill, however, this 
be done, or at least till time bj given for the experi- 
ment, so many militia only are to be called out, as shall 
be necessary for the defence of your posts on the Mi- 
ami, and your depots of provision on the lake. And 
should the recruiting service go on less fortunately in 



5 5 

the patrioiic states of Kentucky and Ohio, than in other 
parts of the union, you are in that case, and in that 
case only, authorised to call out so many militia drafts 
as ivill make good the d^Jicumcy ; and organizing these 
under the rules already prescribed, await the farther 
oiders of the president in your camp at the Rapids. 

To these orders I have to add, that you will regard 
it as your duty to keep tisis departnient regularly and 
frequently informed of the actual condition of the 
troops under your command ; as well in regard to 
etpiipment and supplies of provision and ammunition, 
as to number, discipline, and healih ; and that your 
weekly and monthly reports shall include also the state 
of the ordnance and quarter master's departments, 
noting particularly the number of horses and oxen 
employed by both. You will readily perceive the ne- 
cessity for giving this order, when I state, that no 
return of any description from your division of the army 
has ever been received at the adjutant general's office. 
Your propoi'tion of the new staff has been given to you. 
Captain Adams has been appointed assistant adjutant 
general, and Mr. B irtlett, deputy quarter master gene- 
ral of your division. The brigadier i/:enerals M'Ar- 
tluir and Cass arc employed in superintending the 
recruiting service. A letter from the latter gives reason 
to believe, that this will tjo on well in the state of Ohio, 
I am, sir, very respecifudy, 

Your most obedient servant, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Major General Hanison, 

Com. the 8th Military District U. S. 

Extracts of a letter from Major General Harrison to 
the Secretary of PVar^ dated 

Head Quarters, Camp Meigs, April 21, 1813. 

" The plan for future operations, as laid down in 
your letter of the 4th, is no doubt the best that could 
have been devised in the event of the promised naval 
success, and a prosperous issue to the recruiting bu- 
siness. My measures will therefore be entirely di- 
rected to the prosecution of the campaign in that way. 
" There is nothing to be feared as to the ulterior 
operations of the campaign. 



57 

• • • • 

' " I shall cause the niovcinents of the enemy to be 
narrowlv >vatched ; but in the event of their kindinfj 
at Lower Sandusky, tliat post cannot !)C saved. 1 will 
direct it, in such an event, to l)C evacuated, 'i he 
stores there are not of much consv-quence, exceptinj; 
about 500 stands of aims, which I will cause to be 
removed as soon as the roads are piacticable — at pre- 
sent it is impossible." « 

Extract of a letter from the Secretary of War to 
Major General IVilliam H. Harrison^ dated 

War Department, May 8, 1813. 

" Your letters of the 2 1st and 2otli ultimo have 
been received. I never meant that you, or your artil- 
lery, or stores for the campaign, now collected at fort 
Meigs, should be brought back to Cleveland for em- 
barkation.' My intention was, that the boats built there 
should move along the coast in the wake of the fleet to 
Sandusky, or to the very foot of the rapids, if that were 
practicaUc and expedient, taking in on the route what 
was wanted. The boats building and built by major 
Jesup arc not decked, but strong and high sided, and 
very competent to the navigation of the lake, particu- 
larly between the chiin of islands and the west shore." 

Extract of a letter from the Secretary of IVar to 
Major General U'l'lium H. Harrison^ dated 

War Department, May 21, 1813. 

*' Your future requisiuons for oidnance stores will 
be governed by the quantity on hand at foit Meigs and 
Franklinton, and by the number and Culibres of the 
pieces you propose to take with you against Maiden. 
Your whole train, if 1 am well informed, amounis to 
thirty-five pieces, of which nine are eighteen pounders. 
" The 24th regiment was on tlie lOth instant, at 
Lexington, (Kentucky) on their way to Cleveland. 
You will give it any other point of rendezvous you 
may think proper, and adopt such means to assemble 
the other parts of your division as will be njost advis- 
able. On this head, I would but suggest, thiU the ar- 
rangement which shall best mask your real design and 
most impress the enemy with a belief that your march 
to Maiden will be by land, will be the best. 



" Clothiner for the 26ih, 27th and 2Sth reG,iinOTts 
has been forwarded from Philadelphia. 

*' The last accounts of the bouts preparing by major 
Jesup were favorable. That o'iicer will necessarily 
report to you and take your orders." 



Extract of a letter from the Secretary of War. to 
Major Gen'^''al Harrison^ dated 

War Department, July 14, 18 13. 

'' Orders have been sent to captain Perry to 
communicate to you the naval movements, and to con- 
cert with you the necessary co-operations. 

" Of the miiilia, you are auihorized to take what 
in your judg-ment will be necessary. Such of the 
Kentucky militia as are in service would be better 
than a new draft. There is (of the Pennsylvania mi- 
litia,) one recv.iment at Erie armed, equipped, Sec— - 
Tliese are suojected to your command." 



War Deoartment, August 5, 1813. 
SIR, 

The best interpretation of the late movements of 
the enemy in your quarter is, that De Rottenberg has 
detached to the aid of Proctor bctv/een four and five 
hundred men, and thatwith these he is attempting to 
save Maiden by attacking fort Meigs, if tiiis con- 
jecture be well founded, it suggests the true policy 
on our part, provided the flotilla was over the bar. — 
Go directly to Maiden a.nd leave Mr. Proctor to amuse 
himself with fort Meigs. There is no objection to. 
your appointing the sergeants Lo other ofiiccs pro tem- 
pore. Captain Butler has been appointed major of 
the 32d regiment and lieutenant M'Gee captain m the 
4^d. 

I am, sir, very respectfully. 

Your most obedient servant, 
JOHN ARMS'! RV.NG. 
Major General Harrison. 

Extract of a letter from Major General IVUliam II. 
Harrison to the Secretary at War^ dated 

Head Quarters, Seneca Town, August 22, 1:j13. 
*' 1 am exerting every nerve to complete my 



55 



»reparations for crossinti; the lake, as soon as 1 am rc- 
!)lorccd by two ll^ousand of the Kentucky militia. — 
That number is indispensable, from the sickly staie 
>f the regular troops, of whom I shall think myself 
.ortunate to take with me two- fifths of the aggregate 



imount." 



Extract of a letter from Major General Harrnoii to 
the Secretary of Jt'ar^ dated 

Head Quarters, Seneca Town, August 29, 1813. 

t^ I shall be able to embirk some day between 
tlie loth and 15th procimo, v/ilh upwards o[ 2000 re- 
gular troops, and 3000 militia. Every ejcertion has 
been, ar.d is continued to be made, to prepare for the 
contemplated offensive operations; but, as we could 
not navigate the lake until our flotilla came up, nor ac- 
cumulate at any point on its margin, the stores that 
■were at Upper Sandusky and fort Winchester, dur- 
ing' Proctor's late invasion, it will take the time I have 
mentioned before the embarkation can be effected. — 
It might be facilitated by moving the troops that are 
here immediately to the lake, and then waiting for the 
Kentucky militia. But so extremely unhealthy is the 
\vhole of the southern shore, from Huron to the river 
Raisin, that the most fatal effects would foUov/ the 
keeping the troops upon it, even for a few days. You 
can form a correct estimate of the dr-eadful enects of 
the immense body of stagnant v/ater, with which th€ 
vicinity of the lake abounds, from the state of the 
troops at Lower Sandusky. Upwards of ninety are 
tills morning reported on the sick list, out of about 
two hundred and twenty. Those at fort Meigs are 
not much better." 

Extract of a letter frcm Major Gc72eral William H. 
Harrison to the Secretary at IVar^ dated 

Head Quarters, Bass Island, September 22d, 1813. 
'^ The greater part of the troops are here with 
me, and the whole will, I believe, be up by twelve 
o'clock. I shall proceed as far as ihc Middle Sister 
in the course of to-night and to-morrow, and in tlie 
following night get so near the enemy's coast as to 
land two or three miles below Maiden by eight o'clock 



60 
• • ■ ■ 

in the morning. These prospects may, however, be 
retarded by adverse winds. Commodore Perry gives 
me every assistance in his power, but his crews were 
so much cut up in the late action, that he cannot nav- 
igate his vessels without the aid of my men.*' 

War Department, Sackett's Harbor, Sept 22, 1813. 
SIR, 

Information has reached me through various 
but unofficial chatmels, that commodore Perry had 
captured the w hole of the British fleet on lake Erie. 
If this be true, it is matter of much personal and pub- 
lic congratulation. It enables you to make sure of 
Maiden, and as a subsequent measure, to carry your 
main body down the lake, and by throwing yourself 
into De Rottenberg's rear, to compel him to quit his 
new positions before fort George. After Gen. Wil- 
kinson shall have left that place, there will be found I 
on the two sides of the Niagara, a force amounting to 
three thousand men, who will be subjected to your 
orders. By giving this new direction to your opera- 
tions, you will readily perceive of how much more 
importance it is, in the opinion of the executive, to be 
able to expel the enemy from the country lying be- 
tween the two lakes, Erie and Ontario, than to pursue 
the Indians into their woody and distant recesses. A 
few days will put us in motion from this point. 
Accept my best wishes, Sec. 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
General Harrison. 



Head Quarters, Amherstburgh, Sept. 27, 1813. 
SIR, 

I have the honor to inform you, that I landed the 
army under my command about three miles below 
this place, at three o'clock this evening, without op- 
position, and took possession of the town in an hour 
after. General Proctor has retreated to Sandwich 
w'lih his regular troops and Indian-s, having previous- 
ly burned the fort, navy yard, barracks, and public 
store houses, 'i'he two latter were very extensive, 
covering several acres of ground. 1 will pursue the 
enemy to-morrow, although there is no probability of 
overtaking him, as he has upwards of 1000 horses, 



61 



• • • • 

and wc have not one m the army. I shall tliink my- 
self fominate to be able to collect a sun'iciency to 
momn the general ofTicers. It is supposed here that 
general Proctor intends to establish himself upon tlv« 
river French, 40 miles from Maiden. 
1 have the honor to be, 
With iijreat respect, 

Yovu' most obedient humble servant, 
WILLIAM HENRY ILVRRlSON. 
John Armstrong, Esq. Secretary of War. 

Extract of a letter from Major General milium IT, 
Harrison to the Secretary of War, dated 

Head Quarters, near IMoravian town, on the river 
Thames, 80 miles from Detroit, October 5, 1813. 

« I have the honor to inform you, that by the 
blessing of Providence, the army under my command 
has this evening obtained a complete victory over the 
combined Indian and British forces under tlie com- 
mand of general Proctor. I believe that nearly the 
>vhole of the enemy's regulars are taken or killed ; 
among the former are all the superior officers, excep- 
ting General Proctor. My mounted men are now m 
pursuit of him. Our loss is very trilluig.'* 

Extract of a letter from Major General Harrison, t>i 
the Secretary of War, dated 
Head Quarters, Detroit, October 16, 1813. 
« A detachment of the army, under the command 
of brigadier general M'Arthur, has been for some 
days waiting at this place for the necessary provisions 
to proceed to lake Michigan. I am sorry to mfornx 
you, however, that from tbe effects of a violent storm, 
there is now no prospect of accompUshmg that de- 
sirable object, the reduction of Michilimackinac, this 
season. It is witli the greatest regret I mlorm you, 
that it is almost reduced to a certamty, that two of 
our schooners have been lost on lake Erie, the Chip- 
pewa and Ohio ; the former loaded with the baggage 
of the troops from Bass island, the latter with flour 
and salt provisions fron. Cleveland." 

" Upon a consultation with the two brigadiers and 
commodore Perry and captain Elliott, it was unan- 



imously determined, that the season Is too far advanc- , 
cd to attempt an expedition to Maccinac, if it wei-e not 
commenced in two or three days, and there was no 
hope of the supplies being obtained in that time." 

" It is generally believed here, that general Pioctor 
despatched an order to the commanding officer at 
Maccinac to destroy the post and retreat by the way 
of Grand river. At any rate, it is not a matter of 
inuch importance to have that place in our possession 
during the winter, cut off as it is from a communica^ | 
tion with the rest of the world.'* 



Sackett's Harbor, October 20, 1813. 
SIR, 

The enemy's corps before fort George, broke 
up their cantonments on the 9th, and marclied rapidly 
for Burlington bay, which he reached on the 1 Ith. By 
taking this route he may intend to reinforce Proctor 
on the river French, or Kingston, at the head of the 
St. Lawrence. He was apprized of the abandonment 
of Maiden on the 5th. 

We are perhaps, too remote to profit by each oth- 
ers suggestions ; but it does not appear to me, that 
Sandwich is the point at v.hich Proctor will stop, if 
you pursue him. From Point aux Fins, on lake Erie, 
there is a good road to Chatham, on the Thames, the 
distance not more than 24 miles. Were this gained 
and travelled back to Sandwich, the enemy's means 
cf subsistence might be destroyed, and himself com- 
pelled to surrender. But of tiie practicabiiiiy of this, 
you are the best judge. My opinion is suggested by 
the map. 

The first division of this army sailed two days ago. 
The second and the reserve follow to-day. 
Yours with great respect, 

JOHN AFvMSTRONG. 
Major General Harrison. 



Extract of a Utter from JSIajcr General Harrison^ t9 
the Secretary of V/ar^ dated 

Flead Quarters, Erie, Pa. October 22, 1813. 

"Soon after my letter to you of the 16th instant 
was written, I was inform.ed that a special messenger 



13 



";vith despatches from you, had left B.iss island In tlic 
schooner Chippewa, which had been driven from the 
mouth of Detroit river in a violerit storm ; and from 
the circumstance of a quantity of bai^gaije belonj^int^ 
to the officers, which was known to have been on 
board, being found on the lai^c shore, she was believ- 
ed to have been lost. As I had nearly completed 
the arranp;cnicnt for a suspension of hostilities with 
the Indians, although I had no information as to the 
movement of the army on lake Ontario, I determined 
to embark general M'Arthur's brigade and the bat- 
talion of the United States riflemen, and proceed with 
them down the lake until I could receive some certain 
information of the movements of the arniy under gen- 
eral Wilkinson, and what was expected from me. I 
arrived here this morning with comniodore Perry in 
the Ariel, having left the remainder of the fleet at 
Bass island. It is probable they will be here this 
evening, when we shall immediately proceed lo Buf- 
falo." 



Extract of a letter from Major General Harrison^ to 
the Secretary of IVar^ dated 

Head Quarters, Buffalo, N. Y. October 24, 1813. 

^^ I have this moment landed at this place, from on 
board the schooner Ariel, which is one of seven ves- 
sels, with which I left Deiroit, having on board the 
greater pirt of M'Arthur's brigade, and the detach- 
ment of the "United States rifle regiment, under colonel 
Smith. The other vessels are all, 1 believe in sight, 
and will be up in a short time. The aggregate num- 
ber of troops with me, is about thirteen hui.drcd, but 
not more than one thousand fit for duty. Before this 
reaches you, you will, no doubt, be informed of the 
loss of yoiT messenger, captain Brown, with des- 
patches that were entrusted with him. Not having 
received your directions, and being entirely ignorant 
of the state of our military operations in this quarter, I 
was much at a loss to know how to proceed ; but be- 
lieving that general Cass with his brigade vould be 
able to secure Detroit and our adjacent conquests, 
after having concluded an armistice with the greater 
part of the hostile tribes, I concluded that 1 coulcj not 



64 

do better than to move down the lake with the remain- 
ing part of the troops. A part of M'Arthur's bri- 
gade is still at the Bass Islands, where they were 
left for the want of means of conveyance ; and a 
considerable portion of their baggage was also left 
from the same cause. Means, however, have been 
taken to collect and bring them on. 

*' I shall move down the troops immediately to fort 
George, where I shall aAvait your orders, unless an 
opporiunity should previously occur of striking at the 
enemy. The information I have received here of the 
situation and movements of the enemy on the head of 
lake Ontario, is vague and contradictory." 

War Department, Wilna, October 30, 1813. 
SIR, 

I have the honor to acknowledp:e the receipt of 
your letters of the 5th and of the 24th instant. 

The despatch by captain Brown, and which with 
him was lost in lake Erie, suggested, as an ulterior 
movement, the coming down to Niagara river, 
and putting yourself on the right and rear of De 
Rottenburg's position before fore George : while ge- 
neral IVrClure, with his brigade of militia, volunteers 
and Indians, should approach them in front. The en- 
emy seems to have been aware of this, or of some sim- 
ilar movement, as he began his retieat on the 9th 
and did not stop until he had gained the head of 
Burlington bay, where I understand, by report, he 
yet is. This is his last strong hold in the Peninsula, 
Routed from this, he must surrender or make his way 
down lake Ontario to Kingston. His force is estimat- 
ed at twelve or fifteen hundred efiectives. The cap- 
ture or destruction of this corps would be a glorious 
Jinale to your campaign. Our operations in this quar- 
ter are but deginning-^ at a time when they ought to ^ 
have enchd. 

I shall go on slowly towards Utica, where I may 
have the pleasure of seeing adjutant general Gaines. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 
Your most obedient servant, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Major General Harrison. 



05 



Extract of a Uturfrum 11^' Secretary at :i\.r to Gen,. 

Till Harrisoriy (uUea 
noonsville, Novembers, 1813. 

«v 1 have forlunatelv met colonel Gaines on the nay 
to his reLnmcnt. The deputy pay master shall have 
orders to attend the brii;-ade you have broui^^ht v;ith 
vDU. Capuin Butler nill act as your assistaiU adju- 
taut o-cnerah and shall receive an appointment as such. 
The'lfficers ofthc several corps composing yourdivi. 
s-.on (as well those at ibrt deorge as oi general Cass s 
brii-ade^ not indispensable to the command ol the 
troops now in the field, should be immediately des- 
patched on the recruiting service. I need not invoke 
your attention to a sui)ject so important to the early 
'and successful opening of the next campaign, ana to 
the extent and cliaracter of your particular command. 
Will' the whole of Cass's brigade be wanted to the 
>vestward? In the event of a peace with the savages a 
less force would be sufficient; and, to hasten and 
secure this event, the present moment and present im- 
pressions must be seized. Of the warriors, suing for 
Lace, one or more should be sent by the nearest route, 
Ld the most expedilious mode, to the Creek nation 
The story of their defeat by you, and subsequent 
abandonment by the British, communicated by them- 
selves, would probably have a decided cllect on their 
red brethren of the south, and save us the trouble and 
cM^ense of beating them into a sense of their own m- 
terest. When 1 wrote to you from Wilna, it was 
doubtful whether our attack would be made directly 
upon Kingston or upon Montreal. Reasons exist for 
ordering the latter course-, and have probably detei- 
mined general Wilkinson to go down the St. Lawrence. 
In this case, the enemy will have at Kingston, besides 
his fleet, a garrison of twelve or iourtcen hundred 
men. Had we not a corps in the neighborhood, these 
might do mischief, and even render insecure the win- 
ter station of our fleet. To prevent this^it is deem- 
ed advisable to draw together at Sackett s Harbor a 
considerable military force. There are now at that 
post between four and five hundred men oi ^U ^'^s- 
criptions— sick, convalescent and effective. Colonel 
Scott's detachment (.about 700) are on their march 

F 2 



66 

• • • • 

thither, and it is barely possible that colonel Ran- 
dolph's (not arriving in time to move with the army) 
may be there also. This does not exceed three hun- 
dred and fifty. M'Arthur's brigade added to these 
M'ill make a force entirely competent to our object. 
To bring this brigade down the lake you must have 
the aid of the fleet, which will be readily given by 
commodore Chauncey. On this point I shall write 
to him and suggest a communication with you in re- 
lation to it. 

" This new disposition M'ill render necessary the 
employment of so many of the militia and volunteers, 
now in service under general IM'Clure, as you may 
deem competent to the safe keeping of.forls George 
and Niagara and their dependencies." 






Head Quarters, Newark, Nov. 16, 1813. 



Commodore Chauncey, with the fleet arrived 
here yesterday morning, and informed me that he was 
ready lo receive the troops to convey them down the 
lake ; and that the season was so far advanced, ren- 
dering the navigation dangerous to the smaller ves- 
sels, tf^at it was desirable they should be embarked as 
f'xpcditiously as possible. As a very small part of 
the militia and volunteers had arrived, and the situa- 
tion of Sackett's Harbor appearing to me to require 
immediate reinforcement, I did not think proper to 
lake upon myself the responsibility of postponing the 
departure of the troops for the lower part of the lake, 
conformably to the directions contained m your letter 
of the 3d instant. 

" The information I received yesterday from two 
respectable citizens that were taken near to fort IVIeigs 
in June last, and who made their escape in an open 
boat from Burlington, conJir?ns me i?i the projiriety of 
sending them off. These men state the troo/is luene 
hurrying to Kingston from York as fast as possible. 
The regulars going down in boats and militia bringing 
the latter back. 

The troops are now all embarked and are under 
the command of colonel Smith, who is an officer in 
■whose capacity and bravery the greatest reliance may 
be placed. 



f7 

» • • • 

T shall set o\it this evening for the seat or.govcrn- 
went. 

I have the honor to he, 

With the hi'^hest consideration, sir, 

Your humble servafit, 
WILl.lA.M HKNRY IIAIMUSON. 
Hon. John Armstront^, Ksq. Secretary of War. 



CORRESPOXDEXCE 



wim 



Governor Shclhij, in relation to the Xorth^ 
JTcstern Campaign, 

Frankfort, August 1, 1813. 
SIR, 

A h\v days ago I was honored \vith a letter from 
j^cncral Harrison, under the date of the 20th ultimo, 
by his aid-de-canip, major Trimble. In it he says, 
lliat " he had just received a letter from the secretary 
at war authorizing him to call from the neigliboring 
states such numbers of militia as he might deem re- 
quisite for the ensuing operations against Upper Can- 
ada." In pursuance of that power, he has made a 
requisition on the government of Kentucky for rein- 
forcements, and has referred me to majoi- Trimble for 
inforn^ation, Sec. Sec. and has in warm tcrn^s solicited 
my taking the field in person. Much delay would 
have been the inevitable consequence of ordering out 
the militia as infantry in the ordinary mode, by draft. 
As mounted volunteertt^ a con)pctent force can, I feel 
confident, be easily raised. 1 have therefore appoint- 
ed the 31st cf this month, at Newport, in this state, 
for a general rendezvous of mounted volunteers. 

I have the hon(jr of inclosinp;, for the information of 
the president, a copy of my address to the militia of 
this state on the occasion. 

The prospect of acting efficiently against Upper 
Canada will, I have no doubt, call forth a large force 
to our standard, and they will be immediately march- 
ed to the head quarters of the north-western army, in 
such bodies as will best facilitate their movements ; 
when there they can act as foot or mounted, as cir- 
cmstances may require. 



68 

• • « ft 

I shairtake c^reat pleasure to hear from the presi- 
dent on this subject previous to my departure from 
this place, and 1 request the lavor of you to lay this 
letter immediately before him for his consideration, , 
and that you willi)e pleased to apprize me of the re-*- 
suit by the earliest conveyance. 
I have the honor to be, 

Most respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

ISAAC SHELBY. 
The honorable the Secretary of War. 



Red-Hook, North River, August 21, 1813. 
SIR, 

I had the honor of receiving your excellency's 
letter of the 1st of August by the soutiiern mail of yes- 
terday, and of learning from the war office that a copy 
of it had been forwarded to the president for his con- 
sideration and orders. These will be communicated 
to your excellency as promptly as possible. 
I have tlie honor to be, he. See. Sec. 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
His Excellency the Governor of Kentucky. 

Note. — It is understood that it was not till the re- 
ceipt of the above at the war office, for transmission 
to Kentucky, that governor Shelby's letter was sent to 
the president. 

War Office, September 27, 1813. 

SIR, 

In the absence of the secretary of war, I have 
the honor to inform your excellency, that the presi- 
dent has been pleased to approve your arrangements, 
in substituting volunteers for the detached militia re- 
quired by general Harrison. 

The term of service for- the detachment under your 
excellency, must depend on the arrangements of the 
commanding general, to whom you are referred for 
the necessary information relative to their duty, and 
the points where your troops will be expected to ope* 
rate. 

It will be proper for your excellency to keep up a 
eorrespondcnce with general Harrison. This is ren- 



69 

• • • • 

dcrcd tlic more iiccessarv, «.v thv several vtquinUxonn 
ivhich have been made by him for volunircrn and tni^ 
tifiu have not been accurately rejiorted to the war o/- 
/ice ; and it is /lossible he may find it advisable to din' 
chari^e a part of your force before they reach the Jrun^ 
tier. 

In the present critical period of the cainpaii;n, it 
seems advisable to submit all fnrtlur arrani^cmenis to 
general Harrison, under the insirurtions ho has re- 
ceived from the president throu[;h the bccretary of 
war. 

With perfect respect, 

I have the honor to be, 
Your excellency's 

Most obedient humble servant, 
DANL. PARKER, C. C. 
War De/iartment, 
His Excellency Isaac Shelby, 

Governor of Kentucky. 



CORRESPOXDEXCE 

BETWEEN THE 

Secret art/ of War and Major Gen. Hampton, 

September 1, 1813. 
DEAR SIR, 

Prevost has gone up to the head of the lake ; 
Yeo has followed him. The object is either to at- 
tack Boyd, or to draw Wilkinson to the west, and spin 
out the campaign, without either (giving or receiving 
blows of decided chai-acter. In either case, his [Pre- 
vost's] rear is manifestly neglected, and we must not 
lose the advantage he presents for attacking it. \\\\- 
kinson has gone on to fort George to i)ani( Prevost, (if 
the former be his object) and to biing off tiie army, 
should the other be manifestly his intention. If Chaun- 
cey beat Yeo, sir George's case will be desperate — . 
This is the pivot on which the issue of the campaign 
turns. 

I am, dear sir, vours. Sec. 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 



70 



Camp, r.ear Burlington, September 7, 1813* 
SIR, 

Your letter of the 1st instant came to hand, by 
express, the last evening. My dispositions for a 
movement had been shaped to meet the arrangement 
communicated in my letter of the 31st ultimo; but I 
called together the heads of departments this morn- 
ing to knovi' hov/ far it would be practicable to antici- 
pate that which you had iiuUcated in your despatch of 
the 29th, and it v/as found impracticed^Ie. 

Learned's regiment has not ariived. The ordnance 
and fixed ammunition belonging to the ariillery were 
only to leave Albany on the 5th, and the latter for the 
infantry is not yet on its way, nolvv'ithslanding my or- 
der to major Bumford, as early as the I2thcr 15th of 
August ; and without it I shall be fifty rounds a man 
short, having now less than fifty, including those in the 
cartridge boxes. But what is worse than all, the quar- 
ter master general's arrangements, for the land trans- 
portation, is shaped to the 20th, and cannot be met at 
an earlier day. 

A descent by water, and dire>:t atiack on the Isle aux 
Noix, is out of the question. It is a place of immense 
strength, and cannot be approached, bui by a decided 
superiority of naval strength. This commodore M*Do- 
naugh docs not pretend to assume in the narrow nvaters. 
He has this morning been explicitly consulted upon 
that point. Our approach must be by the Plains of 
Acadia. I have directed a monthly return to be in- 
closed. Onr strength will be less than 4,000 effectives. 
Lane and Leonard's regiments have come on, with 
mumps and measles upon them, and totally destitute 
of the least instruction. Too much must not be ex- 
pected from us. AH accounts concur in representing 
the force of the enemy at more than 5,000, exclusive 
of three battalions of incorjiorated militia^ (twelve 
months men) stationed at the Cedars and Cascades, \ 
some distance up the St. Lawrence. If any have gone 
to Kingston, they have been detached from these 
points. These battalions consist of AO'o men each. 

I shall expect information from you respecting the 



/ 1 



• • • • 

state of things above, but shall not wait a rriomcni 
for it, after 1 am rc-idy. 

1 have the honor to be, sir, 
\'eiy respectfully, 

Your most oI)eclicnt servant, 

W. HAMPTON. 

Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary at War. 

Sackett's Hurbor, September 13, 1813. 
SIR, 

Your letter of the 7th hislnnt has been received. 

Chauncey probably fought a battle on the 11th instant. 

A heavy cann.,riade was disiinctly heard at this place 

for several hours, and a boat from the Great vSodus 

•states, that an engagement between the fleets took 

pluce off Preaque Ide on the northern shore of the 

lake. (Presque Isle is nearly oppo.^te to Great Sodus.) 

We are anxiously looking for the result. I lad Chaun- 

<:ey been beaten, or socrippUd as to make it necessary 

for him to go into port, we should have seen him here 

before to-day. His absence and his silence give us, 

therefore, an assurance that v/hatever may have been 

the issue of the battle, it has not disabled him from 

covering the intended movement of the troops. 

Our information diiTers widely horn yours as to the 
strength of the enemy at Montreal and its dependen- 
cies. A deserter from a British detachment of 300 
men, moving from Montreal to Kingston, and who left 
them near the head of the rapids, came to this post the 
day before yesterday. He states that the whole regular 
force near Montreal does not exceed one thousand 
erTeclives, and that but three hundred invajids have 
been left at Quebec. 1 his agrees with information 
received through other chcainels less direct, and per- 
haps less correct, than yours. 

^ From general Wilkinson I have not heard a syllable 
smce his arrival at fort George, uhich was on tne 4th 
instant. He must now be on the point of moving. 

The 10th and 52d regiinents arc in march ll;r Piatts- 
burgh. The litter was destined for thi^ i)lace, but 
learning that it could not leave Philadelpliiu before the 
12lh, 1 have given to it the shorter n.arch and nearer 
scene of action. 

It is much to be regretted that our naval means or 



US 

I 



72 

• • • • 

lake Champlain should have fallen so far short of their 
object. To our operations an ascendancy in the nar- 
row parts of the lake is of infinite moment. A well 
chosen position on the plains is the alternative of most 
promise. It may keep the different corps of the ene- 
my in a state of separation. 

With great respect, I am sir, 
Your most obedient, and 
Very humble servant, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Major General Hampton. 

Head Quarters, Cumberland Head, Sept. 15, 1813. 

SIR, 

I have got my forces nearly concentrated at this 
point ; and, with IVl'Donaugh's aid have put a stoppe ' 
on the lake which ensures tranquility while my prepa 
rations are going on. All now depends on the quarte 
inasler general, and I belive he will surmount every 
obstacle. I shall soon be ready. 

I am, Sec. 

WADE HAMPTON. 

Secretary of War, 

Sackett's Harbor, September 19, 1813. 

DEAR GENERAL, 

Chauncey has chased Yeo round the lake and 
obliged him to take shelter in Kingston. The com- 
modore has now gone up to fort George to bring down 
the troops. We are ready at this point to embark. It 
may, perhaps, be the oOih before our forces will be 
assembled and in motion. Yom* movements may ol 
course be somewhat delayed — say to the 25th or 26th. 
It is believed in Kingston that sir George Prevost 
is about going to Quebec. Will he not stop at Mon- 
treal ? 

Yours faithfully, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
General Hampton. 

Head-Quarters, at Little Chazy, September 22,1813 

SIR, II 

At 6 o'clock, P. M. on the !9th, I dropped do\^ 
with the army from Cumberland Head for the shon 

f 






near this place, and landed al 12 o'clock ul nr-^lil, and 
an hour alter had the lit^ht corps of ihe army in moliou 
against the advanced posts of the cntmy. Sncllinp:'s 
command agamst a post a liiUc over the line, on the. 
lake shore, and Hamilton's ac^ainst Odletown. Ihe 
blow ^vas to have been struck at the dann, a:;d the 
coips ^vere to unite at the kilter pbce, twelve iriiles 
distant. Roth corps were misled by their p,»uides. 
Snelling finding himself out of his way for the firbt 
point, pushed 'fi)r the second, and as Hamilton had 
taken a circuit to i>-ct below it, Snellini^ arrivrd first 
and fell upon the picquet in a house, whi( h he killed or 
took, except two or thice, and the nuiin body escaped - 
Hamilton arrived soon after ; the army joined them 
a little after nine. A few desperate Indians continued 
to lurk about the distant buslies, and frequently crawled 
up and fired upon our sentries during the C\ixy and the 
succeeding night. 

One was killed upon his post in the dark, and two or 
three others wounded. They were frequently drove 
ofi', and the thickets scoured, but they continued to 
hover round us as long as v.'e staid. 1 he army had on 
their backs five days provisions, and my intention was 
to push through the wood, lenvne all obsMuctions, and 
repair the roads for ov.r supplies, sriillery, baggai^e, 
S:c. which was to follow ; but i n i;:su»moumi.ble diH;- 
cully occurred, which at once defied all human Qy>'tv- 
tion. 1 he drought had been uncommon, and I had 
some doubts ol the practicability of procuring water 
for the troops, horses and teams; but the poinfS ot 
Odletown. La Cole, and the ri^cr -La Cadia were re- 
presented to me as a sure ree=ouvce. 

The troops, howevei-, soon d; icd up the w-ells rnd 
sprin£>s of Odletown, and the beds of La Cole and La 
Cadi.-, are represented, from authority not to be ques- 
tioned, to be drv. 'J he troops be^-an to suffer exiren^c- 
ly, and the' few cavalry and aiiilleiy ho; ses that ariiv- 
ed were oldiged to be sent back to Ch^niplain, a tis- 
lance (jf four miles, itrc wutcr. The difficuky begin 
to produce cfi^ects the iv.ost to be dreaded. 

it v»'as not a time to hesitate : the general, staff and 
con.m ii-ciing ofiiccrs of corps were caJed together, and 
there was but one voice. 

'^ViQ Ci'iatiiu;^y VQiitc )vas adopted. It was circuit- 

G 



7-1 

cus, but affoidcd water, and was practicable in less 
time, all obstructions in ihc other considered. 

The army fell back in the alternoon of the 21st, 
and encamped at Champlain. The Chaiaugay road 
takes off near this place, and the army will advance on 
it seven miles this afternoon. The batjgage is now ad- 
vancing on it. I hope to arrive at Chataugay on the 
evening' of the 24lh. I can from thence join you at 
any point you may advise on the St. Lawrence. IMy 
object is Cog7:a^i'cugh', opposite to La Chine, about 
forty miles from Chaiaugay and ten from INlontreal. I 
liave my guides and information 1 can rely upon. This 
position will present three points. If I do not hear 
from you, I can take either or hold fast, as circum- 
stances shall indicate. 

My first movement was unexpected to the enemy : 
must draw him into some confusion, and will pass as 
a feint so soon as he hears of my route to Chataugay. 
My force is less numerous than 1 expected. It is raw 
nnd of a description that will be for ever falling off. All 
J can say isj it shall have all the capacity I can give it. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 
Very respectfully, 

Your most obedient servant, 

W. HAMPTON. 

P. S. Since writing I find all the corps cannot Itave 
this ground before the morning, and that it will be the 
'rsth before we reach Chataugay. AV. II. 

The lion. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 



Sackett's Harbor, Sept. 25, 18 13. 
SIR, 

Your letter of the 2 2d instant, was delivered to me 
h\st night. Commodore Chaunccy left this place on 
the 18th, in the intention of running up to fort George, 
and covering tl.c transportation of ihe troops from that 
])oint to this. On the 2 1st he had not anivtd there ; 
the effect, as I suppose, of adverse winds. This cir- 
cumstance will necessarily bring after it a delay in ihe 
execution of our joint operations, and will indicate the 
propriety oi your not advancing beyond Malonc or the 
J^'our Corners, until you have advice of our moveuient. 
The distance from this place to Malone is about 130 
miles. An express can reach you in 30 hours, and 



75 

• • • • 

^vil^ of course, enable you to ^ai/i the village of Cog. 
nmLfuuga as early as ru:iy be propci'. Vou will j^ivc 
such direction to ihc militia corps assembling or assem- 
bled at Plattsburgh, as you may think most advisable. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your most obc.'.ieni servant, 

JOHN AUMSTRUXG. 
Major General Hampton. 

Head Quarters, Pomcroy's, 13 miles from 
Chatiugay, Scpicmljer 25, 1813. 
SIR, 

I had this morning, at 3 o'clock the honor to re- 
ceive your letter of the I'^tli, and finding so much lime 
on my hands, the idea has occurred, that a great ad- 
vantage may arise from a closer view of our means, 
and the clearest possible Concert and understandin'r 
in their ajjplication. Of every matter and thing re- 
lating to mine, colonel Atkinson will give you as full 
an idea, as if you had been With me for the last five 
days. When you shall have reflected fully upon 
them, my arrangements and ideas, your indications 
can be made with more precision and confidence. 

The perfect raivness of the troops, with the excep- 
tion of not a single platoon, has been a source of much 
solicitude to the best informed among us. This soli- 
citude has not been removed by the first experiment. 
Kvery thing was done, to be sure, that ought to have 
been done ; but not in that ntyle which the example of 
a Snelling, a Hamilton, See. ought to have inspired in 
the movements of even the light corps. We want a 
little more mercury in the ranks at least. Can you 
not let me have the 1st dragoons, and one more vet- 
eran battalion ? At all events let me have Hane and 
Haig, tiiat 1 may have their local as well as their con- 
stitutional ardor. 

But the great object of this letter is, a full and dis- 
tinct view and understanding on both sides. All I 
need say is, that whatever part shall be assigned me 
in the general plan, shall be executed to the utmost 
extent of my ability and power. 
I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your most obed't and very humble serv't. 

W. HAiMPTON". 
Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary at War. 



75 

• ■ « • 

Extract of a letter from the Secretary of JVar to Major 
Central Hamjiton^ dated 

^Va^ Department, September 28, IS 13. 

" 'Hie position you have taken is better calculated 
to keep up the enemy's doubts with re^^ard to your 
real point of attack than any other. Hold it fast till 
we a/2/iroac/i ijoii. In the present state of the cam- 
paijjn we ouf^ht to run no risks by separate attacks 
\vhen combined ones arc practicable and sure. Had 
you been able to have broken down the head of their 
defences and seized the bank of the St. John's at the 
Kapids, you would have bothered his knightship con- 
siderdbly ; but, on the whole, the western movement 
is to be preferred ; because in it there is safety and 
concert^ and in the mean time, enough to render his 
attention to different points necessary, and of course 
to keep his forces in a state of division. 

^' The moment the enemy left the upper parts of the 
Chesapeake, 1 ordered Pickens with his battalion of 
the loth, to join you. A battalion of the .)2d had sim- 
ilar orders." 



Head Quarters, Chataugay, Oct. 4, 1813. 

DEAR SIR, 

No change of importance in my aHairs has oc- 
curred since my last, by colonel Atkinson ; but, as 
there are several of minor consideration, I have judg- 
ed that a detailed view of them might be of some use, 
at the moment of your arranging with the command- 
ing general the main course of the proposed opera- 
tions. 

Tiie road to Plattsburgh will be completed to-day, 
and is a perfect turn/iike. Tlie artillery, consisting 
of 8 six-pounders, 1 twelve, and 1 howitzer, tolera- 
bly appointed and found, is arrived. I have but a 
small stock of provisions on hand, but have the most 
pointed assurance from colonel Thomas, the quarter 
master general, that a supply of sixty days of bread 
and flour will arrive at once, in the cours.e of three or 
four days. I have only from forty to fifty rounds of 
musket cartridges with me, but this coiiyoy will make 
the oUpply an hundreds and give to the artillery all it 
requires in reserve. The supply of salted pi ovisions 



• • • • 

will not exceed a fourth of the proportion of flour ; 
but \vc have, anil can Iiave, an unliniitcd supply of 
p;ood beef eattle. Brigadier c^eneral I'arkci- is at 
Plattsburs^h hastenin'^ my supplies, and prcsidinj^over 
some arranijemcnts that were thought necessary. 
1 have directed the commencement of a /i^*^^!/ rjur, 
or invasion of the lines, at and near lake Cham- 
plain, by colonel Clark, who has some volunteers, 
and brif^adier general Fassett, (our colonel) who has, 
at my instance, called out his brigade of militia. The 
latter, 1 understand, turn out but badly, but they will 
make together, I suppose, from 600 to lOOO men. 
There has been inculcated by the artifices of the Bri- 
tish, a shameful and corrupt neutrality on the lines, 
for ihc purposes of gain.- I have directed these offi- 
cers to break the truce. And should oiHcr meanti 
fail, to act the part of the mischievous urchin, Avho, to 
get two peaceable tabbies ^\. '■'' viakin;^ tht fur fy^* 
hold them up together by the tail. To be serious, it 
is really time each individual should take his side, 
and that traitors to either, should meet their due re- 
\vard. What I am aiming at, however, is tranquility 
on the road, by kicking up a dust on the luics. It 
^vilI also create a division at a proper point. Of Hop- 
kins's militia, but about 25'J have arrived, and not 
<rnore than 5^") or 60 of them have consented to pas-; 
the line. Such as refused, general Parker was au- 
thorized ic keep on the lines below, and to excite all 
the alarm he could with them and the Vermonters. 
Tiic change of habit has produced more sickness 
among my raw soldiers than I expected. I believe 
the number has accumulated at this place to 300 ; and 
I am afraid will increase. The enemy is in conside- 
rable force about 12 or 14 miles distant. lie made 
an attack on one of mv out-posts with 300 or 400 
regulars, and as many Indiatis, on the afternoon of the: 
1st instant, but he fell itito bad hand-i. lie found 
SncUing well posted with his own and Wool's corps. 
The attack was made wii'.i Indians, and the regular-i 
lay in ambush. But Snelling dashed upon them with 
such rapidity upon their flanks, that they all skani- 
pcred aw:.y together. Lieutenant Nasli, ofih3 33il 
regiment and one man w-as killed, and one wounded. 
If ihc In'-liaus lost anv they carried them oS'.- ' 

G 2 



• • • • 

The Indians still hover about lis and shoot at our 
sentries. The St. Regis people are poor d — Is. 

1 have written in much haste, and have neither time 
for correction nor copying. You must take it for bet- 
ter for worse. I will only entreat you to regard it in 
any other light rather than that of an official commu- 
nication. You may, however, no less rely upon all the 
information it conveys. 

I am, sir, very respectfully and truly, 

Your most obedient servant, 
W. HAMPTON. 
The Hon. John Armstrono:. 



Head Quarters, Chataugay, October 12, 1813. 
DEAR SIR, 

My solicitude to know your progress, and the real 
state of the grand anny^ is extreme. It is perhaps not 
less neceasary for both, that I should be constantly in- 
formed. Implicit faith, cordiality, and concert, ought 
to unite our efforts. These have formed the basis of our 
exertion so far, and promise, more than our numbers, 
the result so much desired. I have no reference to 
individuals vJtut to the heart of every man. The point 
and movc^pRit of our junction is all important ; and 
that, and not the moment of my departure from hence, 
ought to be indicated ; because I ought to be the best 
jud^e of the time necessary lo surmount the obstacles 
in the way. Between this and Cognawaugy much work 
on the road is necessary, and I ought to advance upon 
it two or three days earlier than might be judged neces- 
sary upon a smooth and solid road. By seizing and 
holding strong positions in my front, the work could 
progress in my rear without incurring risk, until I ar- 
rive within a striking distance. You have said " hold 
fast," and it might be considered precipitate to advance 
before I hear, at least, that the Rubicon is passed above. 
These are points for your consideration, and those with 
yoti who guide the general movement. \ ou have not 
sent me the 200 mounted dragoons. Their presence, 
on ground, the possession of which I do not despair of 
gaining, added to a force of 4,000 effective infantry, 
and a well appointed train^ ought to inspire you with 
some re'iance upon our army, new as it is. High pre- 



79 

• • • • 

tensions have been avoided ; but the moment has ar- 
rived when it is pcrhai)s necessary lor us lo be csiimat- 
cd at as much as we are worth. 

The lOth is at hand, and is inchided in the estimate. 
It is believed the militia may serve Tor escorts to what 
must follow us. 

Colonel Clark is carrjinj^ on his small war on the 
lines with all the eficct contemplated. The enemy's 
motley force have every where nearly disappeared. He 
is concentrating, no doubt, on points in my way, or on 
the river. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 
Very respectfully and truly, 
Your obedient servant, 

W. HAMPTON. 
The Hon. General Armstrong, Secretary at War. 

We have had an intelligent deserter of the regiment 
of Canadian fencibles. He states the enemy's force 
near us at 3,000 men ; but when put to the detail, 
gave it as follows : 
13th regiment — two flank companies and part of 

a battalion, - . - - 300 

Muron's French regiment, two flank companies, 200 
Canadian Fencibles, colonel Robison, 150 

Colonel Shaburry's command, Voltiguers and 

Indians and some Fencibles, - - 700 

Two battalions incorporated Militia, - 750 



The whole commanded by colonel Williams, 2,100 
Sir George had gone along to Montreal. He 
brought down thirty-six boats and about 600 troops, 
included in the above. 



Sackett's Harbor, October 16, 1813. 

DEAR GENERAL, 

Your favor of the 12th ultimo, has been handed to 
me by major Parker. The Niagara division has been 
slow in its movements. It has at length reached Hen- 
derson's harbor, and moves this day to Grenadier isl- 
and, whiiher the division here is moving also. From 
this point (Cirenadier island) we take our departure 
either for Kingston or for iNIontrcal. The enemy broke 



80 

• • • • 

up his positions before fort George on the 9th, burned 
his surplus stores, arms, See. and moved rapidly for 
Burlington bay, which he reached on the 1 Ith instant. 
Advices from the bay of Canti state, that he is coming 
down to Kingston, and that his sick and convalescent, 
to the number of 1200, had already arrived there. He 
will bring with him about 1500 effectives, and thanks 
to the storm and our snail-like movements down the 
lake, they will be there before we can reach it. The 
7naneuvre intended is lost, so far as regards Kingston. 
What we now do against that place must be done by 
hard blows and at some risk. The importance of the 
object may, however, justify the means. In the other 
case, (an immediate descent of the St. Lawrence) the 
army will make its w^ay to the isle Perrot, whence we 
shall immediately open a communication vnth you. — ■ 
Under these circumstances you will approach the 
mouth of the Chataiigny or other fioint ivhich shall bet- 
ter favor our junction^ and hold the eiicmy in check.— ^ 
Yoiir known Vigilance and skill make it unnecessary 
to suR'gest any measure of precaution against the en- 
terprises of the enefny while you remain within stroke 
of him. The dragoons will pass the St. Lav/rence 
near the Cotcau de lac. 

Yours, &c. 

JOHN ARMSTROXO. 
IMajor General Hampton. 

Head Quarters, Four Corners, Nov. 1, 1313. 

SIR, 

On the morning of the 2 1st ultimo the army com- 
menced its movement down the Chataugay, for the 
purpose of placing itself in a situation which would 
enable it to fulfil its parts of tlie proposed combined 
operations on the St. Lawrence. 

An extensive wood of eleven or twelve miles in 
front, blocked up with felled timber, and covered l)y 
the Indians and light troops of the enemy, was a se- 
rious impediment to the arduous task of opening a 
road for the artillery and stores. Brigadier general 
Izard with the light troops and one regiment of the 
line, was detached early i\\ the morning to turn these 
impediments in flank, and to seize on the more open 
country below, while the army, preceded by a strong 



81 

- • • « « 

> orklng party, advanced on a more circuitous but 
practicable route for a road. The measure, as will 
^e seen by tbc report of brigadier general Izard, 
which I liavc the honor to inclose, completely suc- 
ceeded, and the main body of the army reached tlic 
advanced position on the eveninj^ of the 22d. The 
23d and 2 tih were employed in completing the road 
and j^-etlinjj up the artillery and stores. 

I had arranp;cd, at my departure, under the direc- 
tion of major Piu kei", a line of communication as far 
up the St. Lawrence as Oedensburgh, for the purpose 
of hastening to me the earliest notice of the progress 
of our army down. I had surmounted twenty-four 
miles of the most difficult part of the route, and had 
m advance of me seven miles of open country, but at 
tlie end of that distance commenced a wood of some 
miles in extent, which had been formed into an entire 
abatis, and filled by a succession of wooden breast- 
works, the rearmost of which were supplied with ord- 
nance. In front of these defences were placed the 
Indian force and lig-lu corps of the enemy, and in the 
rear all of his disposable force. As the extent of this 
force depended upon his sense of danger on the St. 
Lawrence, it was a cause of regret that all communi- 
cation from yourself or major Parker scerned to be at 
an end. As it was, however, believed that the enemy 
was hourly adding to his strength in this position, if 
free from the apprehension of danger from above, an 
efibrt was judged necessary to dislodge him, and if it 
succeeded, we should be in possession of a position 
which we could hold as long as any doubts remained 
of what was passing above, and of the real part to be 
assigned iis. 

Our guides assu?'ed us of a shoal and practicable 
fording place, opposite the lower flank of the enemy's 
defences, and that the wood on the opposite side of 
the river, a distance of seven or eight miles, was 
practicable for the passage of the troops. Colonel 
Purdy with the light corps, and a strong body of in- 
fantry of the line, was detached at an early hour of 
the night of the 25th to gain this ford by the morning, 
and to commence his attack in rear, aiul that was to 
be the signal for the army to fall on in front, and it 
vvas believed the pass migiu be carried before the en- 

I- 



82 
mfs distant troops could 'be brought forward to its 

'"l ^'returned to my quarters from Purdy's column 
about 9 o'clock at night, when I found a Mr. Bakhvm, 
of the quarter master general's department, who put 
into my hands an open paper contammg mstructions 
to him from the quarter master general, respectmg 
the building of huts for the army in the Chataugay, 
below the line. This paper sunk my hopes, and 
raised serious doubts of receiving that efficacious sup- 
port which had been anticipated. I would have re- 
called the column, but it was in motion, and the dark- 
ness of the night rendered it impracticable. I could 
only go forward. The army was put in motion on 
the morning of the 26th, leaving its baggage, &c. on 
the ground of encampment. 

On advancing near the enemy, it was found that 
the column on the opposite side was not as far ad- 
vanced as had been anticipated. The guides had 
misled it, and finally failed in finding the ford. We 
could not communicate with it, but only awaited the 
attack below. About two o'clock the firing commcn- 
ccd,and our troops advanced rapidly to the attack. — 
The enemy's light troops commenced a sharp fire, but 
brij^adier general Izard advanced with his brigade, 
drove him every where behind liis defences and si- 
lenced the fire in his front. This brigade would have 
pushed forward as far as courage, skill and perseve- 
rance could have carried it ; but on advancing, it was 
found that the firing had commenced on the opposite 
side, and the ford had not been gained. 

The enemy retired behind his defences, but a re- 
newal of his attack was expected, and the troops re- 
mained some time in their position to meet it. The 
troops on the opposite side wore excessively fatigued. 
The enterprise had failed in its main point, and colo- 
nel Purdy was ordered to withdraw his column to a 
shoal four or five miles above, and cross over. The 
day was spent, and general Izard was ordered to with- 
draw his brig,ade to a position three miles in the rear, to 
which place the baggage had been ordered forward. 

The slowness and order with which general Izard 
retired with his brigade, could but have inspired the 
enemy with respect. They presumed not to venture 
a shot at him during his movement ; but the unguard- 



83 

• • • • 

edness of some part of Purdy*s command exposed 
him to a rear attack from the Indians, which was re- 
peated after dark, and exposed hini to some loss 

These attacks were always repelled, and must have 
cost the enemy as many lives as we lost. Our entire 
loss of killed, wounded and missing, does not exceed 
fifty. In its new position within three miles of the 
enemy's post, the army encamped on the night of the 
26th, and remained until 12 o'clock of the 28th. All 
the deserters, of whom there were four, having con- 
curred in the information that sir Georg-e Prevost, with 
three other general officers, had arrived with the 
whole of his disposable force, and lay in the rear of 
these defences, and a letter from major Parker (by ex- 
press received on the evening of the 26th) having in- 
formed me that no movements of our army down the 
. St. Lawrence had been heard of at Ogdensburgh, and 
for some distance above ; the following questions were 
submitted to the commanding officers of brigades, 
regiments and corps, and the heads of the general 
staff, in a council convened for the purpose : " Is it 
advisable, under existing circumstances, to renew the 
attack on the enemy's position, and if not, what po- 
sition is it advisable for the army to take, until it can 
receive advices of the advance of the grand army 
down the St. Lawrence ?" The opinion of the coun- 
cil was expressed in the following words : 

" It is the unanimous opinion of this council, that 
it is necessary, for the preservation of this army and 
the fulfilment of the ostensible views of the govern- 
ment, that we immediately return by orderly marches 
to such a position (Chataugay) as will secure our 
communications with the United States, either to re- 
tire into Vrinter quarters or to be ready to strike be- 
low." In pursuance of this opinion the army has re- 
turned by slow marches to this place, and now awaits 
the orders of the government. Its condition will be 
stated by the bearer, colonel King, who can give you, 
upon every point, more full and perfect information, 
than could be contained in a written detail. 
I have the honor to be, 
With great respect, your obedient servant, 

W. HA?^lPTOiV. 
The Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 



fii 



Heacl.Quariers of ihe Army, 
District J^o. 9, seven miles above O^densburtrh, 
November 6, 1813. in the cveuiug. 

'l address you at the special instance of the secre- 
tary of Nvar, M ho, bv bad roads, worse weather, and ill 
health, was divert\d from meeting mc near this place, 
and determined to tread hack his steps to \\ ashiuotoii 
from Antwerp on the 29th ultimo. 

I am des'.ined to and determined on the aliack ul 
Alontreal, if not prevented by some act of Ciod ; and 
to -ive sccuriiv to the enterprises the division under 
vour command must co-operaie with the corps under 
my immediate orders. The point of rendezvous is 
tlie circumstance of greatest interest to the issue ot 
this operation, and the distance which separates us, 
and my ignorance of the practicability ol the direct 
or devious roads or routes on which you must march, 
lYiake it necessary that your own judgment should 
deternrme that point. To assist you in forming the 
sound(;st determination and to take the most prompt 
'ji\\(\ efl'ectual measures, I can only inform you of m/ 
intentions and situation in one or two respects of first 
importance. I shall pass Prescott to night, because 
^ the stage of the season will not allow me three days 
to takc'it ; shall cross the cavalry at llamblcton, whicli 
will r.ot require a day, and shall then press forward 
and break down every obstruction to the connucnco 
of this river with Grand river, there to cross to the 
isle Perrot, and with my scows to bridge the narrow 
inner channel, and thus ob'.ain foothold on Montreal 
island, at about twenty miles from the city ; after 
M hich our artillery, bayonets and swords must secure 
our triumpii or provide us l^onorable icraves. Inclosed 
you have a memorandum of my lit Id and battering 
train, pretty well found in fixed ammunition, which 
may enable' you to dismiss your own, but we are de- 
ficient in loose powder and musket cartridges, and 
therefore ho|ic you may be abundantly found. On 
the subject of provisioi^s, 1 wish I could give as fa- 
vorable information ; our wliole stock of bread may 
be computed at abov.t 15 days, and our meat at 20. In 
speaking on thii subject to the secretary of "svar, ho 



83 

• • • • 

informed me that ample magazines were laid up on 
lake Champlain, and therefore I must request you to 
order forward two or three months supply by the 
safest route in a direction to the proposed scene of 
action. I have submitted the state of our provisions 
to my general officers, who unanimously agree that it 
should not prevent the progress of the expedition ; 
and they also agree in opinion, that if you are not in 
force to face the enemy you should meet us at St. 
Regis, or its vicinity. 

I shall expect to hear from, if not to see you, at that 
place on the 9th or 10th instant. 

And have the honor to be respectfully, Sec. 

JAS. WILKINSON. 
To Major General W. Hampton, &c. 

P. S. I was preparing an express which I should 
have despatched to-morrow but for the fortunate call 
of colonel King. 

A copy, 

JOHN HOOMES, Aid-de-camfi. 

Head-Quarters, Four Corners, November 8, I813» 
SIR, 

I had the honor to receive, at a late hour last 
evening, by colonel King, your communication of the 
6th, and was deeply impressed with the sense of re- 
sponsibility it imposed of deciding upon the meians of 
our co-operation. 

The idea suggested as the opinion of your officers, 
of effecting the junction at St. Regis, was most pleas- 
ing, as being the most immediate, until I came to the 
disclosure of the amount of your supplies of provi- 
sion. Colonel Atkinson will explain the reasons that 
would have rendered it impossible for me to have 
brought more than each man could have carried 
upon his back ; and, when I reflected that,in thr ow- 
ing myself upon your scanty means, I should be 
weakening you in your most vulnerable point, I did 
not hesitate to adopt the opinion, after consulting the 
general and principal officers, that by throwing myself 
back on my main depot, where all the means of trans- 
portation had gone, and falling upon the enemy's flank, 
and straining every effort to open a commumcatior* 

H 



$6 

m » * m 

from Plattsburgh to Cognawaga, or any other point 
you may indicate on the St. Lawrence, 1 should more 
effectually contribute to your success than by the 
junction at St. Regis. 

The way is, in many places, blockaded and abatiscd, 
and the road impracticable for '::}/ieels during winter ; 
but, by the employment of pack horses, if 1 am not 
overpowered, I hope to be able to prevent your 
starving. 

I have ascertained and witnessed the plan of the 
enemy is to burn and consume every thing in our 
advance. 

My troops and other means will be described to 
you by colonel Atkinson. Besides their rawness, and 
sickliness, they have endured fatigues equal to a 
winter campaign in the late snows and bad weather, 
and are sadly dispirited and fallen off; but, upon this 
subject I must refer you to colonel Atkinson. 

With these means what can be accomplished by- 
human exertion, I will attempt, with a mind devoted 
to the general objects of the campaign. 

W. HAMPTON. 
A copy, 

JOHN HOOMES, Aid-de-camji. 
To Major General Wilkinson. 

Head Quarters, Plattsburgh, November 12, 1813. 
SIR, 

I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter I 
have received from general Wilkinson, and of my re- 
ply. The forage at Chataugay had been nearly con- 
sumed before the expedition down the river; and in 
the return of the army, enough only could be found to 
subsist the horses and teams two or three days. All 
accounts concurred in the report, that general Wil- 
kinson had not commenced his operations against 
Kingston, and that no descent down the river was in- 
tended. Hence, the necessity for sending off the 
cavalry, artillery, and provision teams to Plattsburgh 
for subsistence ; and hence also, the impossibility of 
a junction at St. Regis with more provisions than 
must have been consumed on the march to that place. 
General Wilkinson had no spare transportation for us; 
and the junction would have reduced the stock of pro- 



• • • • 

visions to eight or ten clays for the -whole.* The al- 
ternative was adopted under the impression of abso- 
lute necessity. 

The army has approached on this route to the road 
leading to Chazy, a few miles from the lines, where I 
shall join it to-night. I can only repeat what I said in 
my letter to general Wilkinson, " that what can be 
accomplished by human exertion shall be attempted 
to meet the objects of the campaign." But I should 
be uncandid not to own, that many circumstances are 
\inpropitious. The force is dropping off by fatigue 
and sickness to a most alarming extent. My returns 
yesterday, report the effectives at little more than half 
their original state at Chataugay ; and, which is 
more discouraging, the officers, with a few honorable 
exceptions, are sunk as low as the soldiers, and en- 
dure hardship and privation as badly. In a word, 
since the shew, produced by clothing, movements, 
Sec. has worn off, all have assumed their native raw- 
ness. Fatigue and suffering from the weather have 
deprived them of that spirit, which constituted my 
best hopes. What confidence can the best officer (and 
I Kave a few surpassed by none) feel under such cir- 
cumstances ? It is painful to hold up to you this pic- 
ture, but it is but too faithfully drawn. 

The quarter master general has been ordered td 
procure on hire 400 waggons, and I shall attempt to 
open a communication on the direct route from the 
town of Champlain. Success, under the circumstan- 
ces I have mentioned, must depend upon the efforts 
and force opposed to me. The deinonstration^ howev- 
er, can but produce a partial good. 

On the route I took, the enemy burnt and consum- 
ed every thing before him, and this I understand to be 
his general plan. If the same course precede the ad- 
vance of general Wilkinson, and my feeble force 
should be foiled, the consequences are much to be 
dreaded. But the Rubicon is now passed, and all 
that remains is to push for the capitol. 
I have the honor to be, sir, 
Very respectfully. 

Your most obedient servant, 
W. HAMPTON. 
Gen. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 






Is 



•si 



88 

• • • • 

jExtract of a letter from Major General Hampton to 
the Secretary of IVar^ dated 

Cliazy, November 15, 1813. 

" I have the honor to enclose you the copy oft 
letter I received the last evenini,' from general Wil- 
kinson, by colonel Atkinson, whom I had sent to him 
for the purpose of settling the plan of our proposed 
joint operations. Of the consistency of tins letter 
with that of the 6th instant, and my answer, or of the 
insinuation it contains, I shall say nothing. Upon so 
plain a case, and an attempt so unworthy the occasion, 
common sense will alTord every explanation I could 
•Wish. I shall make the necessary arrangements for 
placing the troops in winter quarters, and commence 
my journey to the southward." 



^ 
%:^- 



Head Quarters, near Cornwall, (U. C.} Nov. 1^ 1313 
SIR, "* 

I this day had the honor to receive your letter 
of the 8th instant, by colonel Atkinson, and want lan- 
guage to express my sorrow for your determination 
not to jom the division under your command w h \he 
troops under my mimediate orders. 

As such resolution defeats the irrand obiccts nr.i,.* 
campaign in this quarter, which, b'efore tir cefp of 
your letter, were thought to be completely u' th^our 
power, no suspicion being entertained tha^ VouZZ 
decline the junction directed, it will oblige us to Ti 
post at the French Mills, on Salmon d vC or i 1/,' 
Vicinity, for the winter. ^^ ^" ^'^^'^ 

I have the honor to be. 
Respectfully, Sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 
Major General Hampton. ^' ^^^^^^^>^'^ON. 



^ / 



■/•' 



..v-^ 



€.v 







r:^^^^^^lt^:^-7 f/ Xr? 







PART II, 



CORRESPONDENCE 

Between the Secretary of War and Major 
General Wilkinson. 

Submitted to the president by the secretary of war, on 
the 23d July, and communicated to general Wilkin- 
son on the 5th of August 1813. 

The time at which we have reason to expect an as- 
cendancy on lake Ontario has arrived. If our hopes 
on that head be fulfilled, though but for a short period, 
we must avail ourselves of the circumstance, to give to 
<he campaign a new and increased activity. 

For this purpose our forces on the Ontario should be 
concentrated, because neither section of them, as they 
are now divided, is competent to any great object. 

The point of concentration is more doubtful : 
Ist. If at fort George, our utmost success can but give 
us the command of the peninsula, which, if general 
Harrison succeeds against Maiden, will be of dimin- 
ished interest, both to us and to the enemy : to us be- 
cause Maiden will more completely cover our western 
frontier and control the savages than forts George and 
Erie : to the enemy, because Maiden lost, our inroad 
upon the peninsula, will but have the effect of short- 
ening, not of dividing, the enemy's line of operations ; 
in a word, success at this point will not give to the 
campaign a character of decisive advantage, 
2d. If, on the other hand, we make Sackett's Harbor 
the point of concentration, Kingston may become the 
object of our attack, which by the way, will but be 
returning to the original plan of campaign, prescribed 
to general Dearborn. This place is of much impor- 
tance to the enemy, and will no doubt be defended 

A 



./ 



by him ivitli great obslinary, and t^ illi nil the rc^oiip- 
ces which can be safely tlraNv u Iroin ullur point.^. — 
That it may be taken l)y a joint application ol our na- 
val and military means, is not however to be cpiestion- 
ed. The enclose«i diagram will show the number and 
character of (he enem}'s defences. His batterie;^ on 
No. 1, cannot be sustained but by liis Iket. These 
carried, he is open to a descent at No. 2 and 3. If he 
divides his force between both, we oppose one half of 
his strength witii the whole of ours. Jf he concen- 
trates at No. 2, we seize No. 3, and command both 
the town and shipfdng. If he concentrate? at No. 3, 
we occupy No. 2, and with nearly the same results. 
Cotemjiorary with ihU movement, another may be 
Riade on the side of lake Cham|»lain, indicating; an in- 
tention of at tackinj^ Montreal and its de|)er!dencies, and 
really attacking them, if to save Kingston, tin se posts 
have been materially weakened. 

3d. Another and different operation, to which our means 
are competent, would be a movement from Sackett's 
Harbour to Madrid on the St. Lawrence. At this 
place the river may be most easily crossed. 'J'he 
ground opposite to it is a narrow binft", skirted bj- the 
river on one side and a swamj) of great extent and dif- 
ficult passage on the other. This gained and fortified, 
our fleet continuing to command the water line Irom 
the head of the river to Ogdensburgh, and lake St. 
Francis occupied with a few gun boats and barges, 
the army may march against Montreal, in concert 
with general Hampton. The only natural dilhculty 
to the execution of this plan, would be presented by 
a branch of the Grand river which must be crossed ; 
but at this season, though deep, it is believed to be for- 
dable. 

Under the preceding supposition it is respectfully sub- 
mitted, whether it will not be most advisable to make 
Sacketfs Uarhor the point of concentration and leave to 
the commanding general an election (to be determined 
by circu!P*tan«es^Hetw^een the two plans suggested un- 
der the 2nd and 3d heads. 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Approved and adopted 23d July, 1813. 



AVashingtoii, iiugust 0,'l813. 

I have examined the projects of the campaign, inten- 
ded for the past aud ensuing stages of it, on the side of 
Canada, which you put into my hands yesterday. The 
novelty of the subject to me, and the pressure of time^ 
will prevent tlie deliberate consideration of it which its 
importance merits; and (herpfore 1 shall confine myself 
to a few brief observations touching the project of the 
23d ult. 

1st. If we command lake Ontario (without which the 
project is impractible,) and our force be competent to 
carry Kingston, the incorporation of our troops should 
take place at Sackett's Harbor, and the attack be made 
as promptly as possible. 

2d. On the contrary, should our combined disposable 
force be deemed incompetent to the certain and speedy 
redaction of Kingston, then it may be preferable to 
strengtlien our force at fort George, cut up the British 
force in that quarter, destroy the Indian establishments, 
and (should general Harrison fail in his objects) march 
a detachment to capture Maiden. 

While these operations are |)ending, a bold feint or 
provisional attack on Montreal, by major general Hamp- 
ton, will certainly call sir George Prevost to tliat place; 
and it is presumable, that seeing our movements direct- 
ed towards Erie, he mary carry his best troo\)s with him 
from Kingston. 

These suggestions spring from my desire to hazard 
as little as possible in the outset, and to secure infallibly 
"whatever may be attempted, with the intention to in- 
crease our own confidence, to diminish that of the ene- 
my, and to popularise the war. 

After our operations on the peninsula have been clos-; 
ed, we may raze the works there under your provisions, 
leave our settlements on the strait in tranquillity, and 
like lightning must direct our whole force against King- 
ston; and having reduced that jjlace, and cajUured the 
j?hipj)ing, we may descend the stream, and form a junc- 
tion with the column of general Hampton in the neigh- 
borhood of Montreal, should the lateness of the season 
permit, by which all our movements after the conquest' 
of Upper Canada must be governett. 



To Pve general Hnmptoirs movrnifntB i menaHnr 
aspect, and to enahle liiin to profit by cv«n()*, he 
}aktM\ ith him a heavy trHin ol hatt^rinz cHnnon an- 
mortar piece?', wliich u ill \,v fo\iiu\ imli?pi'nsal.|e in (he 
attack or MoMtr^'al; ami to wtaken lli.it place, «iul |o fa- 
vor a protracted season, I wouM advi*.* that a heavy ro- 
hiinn ot militia or voliinteer>i, if en^au'-tl for tlirrc months 
only, .-houUI be put in motion from the viciiijlv o( lak* 
Mtniphramairoi;, to «lc«ccnd the rivrr St. Francis, nmi 
lake post on the ri^ht hank of lake St. f^•t^^. u iib a hnt- 
lering train of trav«IIincc carriazeB, orr. ! Atn\ e«piipt 

' Ither to keep post or retire when ilu- ^aizon or other 
circumstances should render expedient. 

Before I close this letter, I will hog leare to call 
your attention to several 5.pecific |^oint^ on which I re- 
quire infot'nmlion and aulhoritv, which I deem cksen- 
tial to the salutary dlnharire of the high and loleinn 
trust about to devolve upon nw. 

1st. A copy of the iiislruclions to Major-(;rneral 
Hampton, for my govermneot in the correspondence to 
ensue between us. 

2d. «hall I be alloued a private Bccretarr, nbirh is' 
iiecessary, and of ri.^bt belongs to the conwnand oa 
nnicn 1 am about to enter ? 

a..M?' I '^"^"""'^ P^-nnis.ion to take for my aid.^ de c^mu 
^^ch officers as are best fitted to discharge the in.portanl 
dt.iiesol (he station. * 

«JJ!'t\^/'^ authority (or is it understood that I poi». j 
scss It) to supply every defect of the nuniilion. nf war • 

'seo agents. 
JiUi. 1 enlreat that ample fnn.ls niav be ,le,,„.ii,.,l i„ 

duct olthe ^1 r "*" -"'^ "ece.s..ary <„ Ihr r,-^„,:,v c.»]. 

preser 1^^^^^ '"T"",' '"" " '' '"""y •■^^<''"i^'' "- ">'• 

to the «; "ni '""' ?"'"'"'"''-'li"'>. a...l Ue„„r..nnal,l. 

Irresponsible (oral! sl.gulU have the control ..f,|| 



-fh. I hope I may be expressly aulliori3e<I to Heiatit 
from my conimami all persons ,vlio may manifest a tem- 
per or disposmons to excite discontents, to generate fac- 
uons or imb.tler the service. This is indispensable to 
put doivn seditious siiirits, and to harmonise the corps. 

8th. Should we move against Kingston in the firsf 
.ns tance the withdrawal of our force f^m Fort George 

r'h ;!r ^ "f T"'y '" --e-occupy that point, and for 
a br el period to harrass our frontier on that strait. May 
not the miltlia or a body of volunteers be called forth to 

.1i T! f '■*^,"'" """"I" *' """ P'ace, and prevent 
discontents and complaints. i " 

Arn-'^nf^f '-'f- ""''"'^n»"<:e of the necessary authority 

am! lorbul all correspondence with his subordinate offi- 
cei^ except in cases of personal grievance. 

10th 1 beg to be advised of tlie means of communi- 
^om's^! "h" ,?'"■, '""""^' '•"^'"°"'' «"') !-articularly 
raw", 'nd intm"::'"'^ '° ^"'"'='^"' "'"^'^ ^'^'^ "« 

arflnlv; ' "''^f "«'"'3' '« «^a"i|> (lie whole of our horse 
aitdleiy, and to mount the whole of our dragoons, be- 

Zr^U-l T- f ™' ""' "^ '■°""'' *" important in e ery 
combat which may ensue. ^ 

A serious impression of fhe dread responsibilitr which 

n! n ^"'^; ^ ''''''^''^ '^"'^ ^^' the public expecta- 

tion winch accompanies me, must be my apologv f^r 
giving you so much trouble. ^ 

With perfect respect, 
I have the honor to be, 

Sir, your obedient servant, 
Honorable John Armstrong, '■^- "^'"^^^^^ON 
Secretary of War. 

Sir, ^"^^ DEPARTi^i^r. Jug-usi Sth, 1313. 

an tf z:&L':ire;tiu:STe°ir ^'" ^--^ 

tbat m the eveat of iu success it leave. IheXith tf 



the enemy unbroken ; it but woujuU the tail (»f fitc liou 
and of course is not calculated to hasttn thf lermiria- 
lion oi" the war, either by inort'a-<in^ our ou it vijrur. or 
by diminishing that ot the enemy. Kinu^-ton is tho 
great depot of his resource:*, and m» loui^ a>* Iw r«t;tiin 
this, and keeps o|)en his communication uith tin 
he will not want the means ol inulti|dyini: his naval and 
other defences, and of reinl'orcini; or renewinj; the war 
in the west. Kimcston therel'ore, as well on grounds 
of policy as of military principle, presents theyir.vr ami 
great ol>ject of the campaii;u. 

There are two ways of approachinc; this ; by direct, or 
hy indirect attack ; by breakinn; tlowti the enemy's hat- 
talions and forcins; his works — nr by sei/inir and oIh 
structins: the line of hi^ conmumication, audi bin jlryint; 
up (he sources by wiiicli he \* nourished and m;;intiiin«'il# 
Circumstances mast govern in choosina? het\\ern these 
ditierent mode?. Vere our assembled land and naval 
forces comj)ete;it to the object, a direct attack wouUI, lui 
<loubt, he the sliortest and better way ; hut if, on tho 
contrary, our strenp;th be inferior, or hanlly eipial to 
tiiat of the enenij', tiie indirect attack must be preler- 
rod. These considerations have su;icestetl the third 
plan, to be found in my ni)te of the 'J Id ultijno. To 
jiive execution to this, I would collect my force at the 
head of the St. Lawrence, make every demonstr.ilion 
of attacking Kingston, |)roceed rapidly down the river, 
seize the northeni hank at the villa<^e of Hamilton, leave 
a corps to fortify ami to hold it, match u,***! .Montreal 
^vith the main i)ody, effect there a Junction with llam|>- 
U>'-, and take a position wh*«ch s-hail enalde you to se- 
cure what you gain. On tliis plan, the navy would pcr- 
jorm its part by occupying the nu)uth of the river, and 
preventing a pursuit by water ; by clearing the river of 
the armed boats of the enemy; by holding:, with its own, 
the passage at Hamilton, and hy giving support to that 
position. If the enemy pursues, it must be hy land, 
without subsistence, (excepting what he carrier on hid 
back) and without artillery. If he remains stationary, 
bis situation must soon become eren more serious, as 
^he country in whicli he is cannot long subsist him. \i 
vnW then but rewiain for bim to tight his way to Que 



. bee, to perish in the attempt, or to lay (Io^\^l his arm?. 
After this exposition, it is unoecessary to adtl, that ia 
conducting the present campaign, you will make King. 
Stan your primary object, and that you will choose (as 
circumstances may warrant) betweea a direct and iiidi^ 
T€ct aUack upon that post. 

1 have the honor to be. 
With great respect. 

Sir, your most obedient serv't. 

JOHJN ARMSTRONG. 

Major-General Wilkinson, 

Commanding District No. 9. 

WAR DEPARTMENT, August 9, 1813. 
Sir, 

In answer to that part of your letter of the 6th ia^- 
stant, which calls for information, Arc. on certain enu- 
merated points, I have the honor to state : 
1st. That General Hampton's instructions go only i% 
assemljle and organize his division at Burlington, 
It is intended that he shall operate cotemporarily 
with you, and under your orders, in prosecution of the 
plan of camj)aign which has been given to you. 
2d. Tiie senior major-general commanding the princi- 
pal army is entitled to the services of a private se- 
cretary. 

3d. The ordnance and other departments of supply 
within the district (No. 9) are subject of course to 
3^our orders. 

4th. The quarter-master general of the aimy will sup- 
ply the funds for secret service. 

5th, All orders to subordinate officers pass from the 
war department to the adjutant-general, to be com=- 
municated by him to the general commanding the 
district in which such subordinate officer may serve. 

6th. No specitic permission is necessary for removing 
factious or disorderly men. All such will pronerly 
become subjects of the confidential reports to be 
made by iuopectors. To detach such men from one 
district to another, is only shifting the evil : the bet- 
ler way is to report them for dismission. 



7tli If the corps at Fort George be recalled, the work- 
should he razed or occupied hy a loree coinpel^nl |o 
hold it against an assault. There is a corp. of inili- 
lilia and voluiitt-ers (lo Nshorn the Six imlion huhans 
have associaled themseive.*) at Black Kock, %xhich 
may be kepi in service. They are conunandi-d Uy 
General Porter ami Air. Par^i^ll. [See tlie cunlideii- 
tial letter of General Porter enclo?*^!,] 

Sth. The secretary of war will d«-cline and forbid all 
improper comniuni«:alion?, and particularly -uch M 
may bear any color of insubordinatiun. 

0th. Besides the ordin-try mode of comninniration by 
mail, expresses may l>e employed iu exlraurdinary 



cases. I ,, , 

ICth. The draccoon and lij^hl artillery corps Miall be 
made elhcieut. Horses may be bou2;ht for l»oth. An 
officer from each corps shoidd be tlirected to nupcrin- 
tend the purchases. Price (average) nut to exceed 
120 dollars. 

I have the lionor to be, 
WiOi ^reat respect, 

Sir, your most nb't. servM. 

JOHN AKM:3TKUNC 
Major-General Wilkinson, 

Commanding the Norihrrn Ajmy. 

SackaCs Harbor, Aupist 2\sf, 181?. 

Sir, 

I arrived here yesterday : my machiucry is in mo- 
tion, and 1 have strons; hopes of giviim; the change to 
Sir George, wiiicb will lead directly to the oliject of 
first importance. 

Commodore Chauncey is in port here and his antago- 
nist. Sir James Yeo, at Kingston. In the late inter- 
Tiews between these naval commanders the fir^t ban 
zealously sounht a combat, which the latter has cau- 
tiously avoided ; the superiority on the l-ake, therefore, 
remains still to be settled ; but I have Chauncey'g as- 
surance for it, and place much confidence in his wonl; 
it is obviously Sir James's plan to <leclinc ^ conflict j 
Init on what ground I cannot determiac. 



Our Srcbooner here will be equipt ami manned by 
Wednesday, and I shall sail with the squadron for Fort 
George probably the day after; I am endeavoring to 
draw Sir George alter me; but whether I succeed ia 
this attempt or not, should our men and means answer 
leport, and Heaven favor me, I will be in })OS5es5ion of 
Kingston, or below it, on the 26th proximo. 

Major-General Hampton must not budge until every 
thing is matured in this quarter, and we have either got 
possession of Kingston, or have cut its communication 
with 3Iontreal, of which I shall give him seasonable ad- 
vice, via Plattsburgh, where I shall calculate on his ar- 
rival the 20th of the ensuing month, completely equipt 
for a forvrard movement. If he changes his jjosition 
and shows his column west of the lake sooner, it may 
curry Sir George to Montreal, and produce precautions 
which might otherwise be neglected until too late for 
any salutary eflect. 

The militia called forth by Governor Tompkins, of 
which, by the bye, you gave me no information, should 
not be arrayed betbre he hears from me at Fort George, 
because the assembly ot such a body would increase the 
alarm, and put all Canada in counter motion, while in- 
cidents, beyond the control of man, may intervene to 
procrastinate my movements, and tlms baftTe the effects 
of the proposed co-operation on the side of Vermont; 
should a corps of militia be drawn from thence, no 
movement should be made by them, until Gen. Hamp- 
ton has crossed Champlain. 

It would be highly interesting to the public service, 
and extrcmefy acceptable to me to see you at Niagara, 
from whence, should I find it |)racticabfe, it is my in- 
tention to commence my movement doAvn the lake, 
about the 15lh of the next month ; the best possible 
disjiosition for the safety of that frontier, and for the se- 
curity of the vast mass of ordnance and stores which I 
must leave there, may render 3'our advice and authori- 
ty indispensably necessary to avert clamors and pre- 
vent any obstruction to niy prompt m.ovement. 
With high considerations and respect, 

1 am, sir, your obedient servant, 

JA. WILKINSON. 
Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 



Sackctt'x Harbor, Aiisr^i:»i -0, 1813. 



Sir, 



Cliaiincey will go out, he say?, lo-morrow, or iH'xt 
day, to seek sir James. I see the nece.Hty of ^eUhtlp 
the point ol naval ^friperiority In^fore we eominit our- 
selves, and tlu'retore, the tUcijion cannot l»e luul loo 
soon. In the mean time the ers^mliil Rrran-emen»t 
progress, and if the means can he niu=teretl, they uill 

ensure the end. 

I fear Yeo will avoid a contest to &pin out the can)- 
paign, and i^ain lime for reinforcenients, and the organ- 
ization of militia; hut if he will not come out, we mu^t 
blockade him. I cjo for Niagara the moment our nr^ 
ransements are matured here. Sir (i«'orue hasaelually 
gone for the head of Ihe lake \n iih a rtinr«»rcen)rnt. To 
prevent his playing tricks with H(»y.l, I h.ivc beul hiia 
(Boyd) the note of which you have a copy. 

On Saturday, 2UI, one hundred ami sixty regtilar 
troops ajeended hy Ogilenshurg to Kingston, and on the 
23d and 24th, they were followed hy tive hundred high- 
landers in their kclls, who conducted up one Imntlred 
boats : thus we see that this quarter attracts chief atten- 
tion. All my efibrts will he made to induce sir (Jeorgo 
to draw after him a chief part of the garrison of Kiu'^'ston, 
l\hich must now he near five thousand stnmg. The si- 
tuation of Proctor Mud tlu- irruption i)f our Indian? have 
gone far to excite thesi' di^po^^itions. Meet me at Nia- 
gara, if possihle, and for (iod's >ake press on Ihe rerrnita 
from Albany and the southward, and send me Vatic* 
worth, Swift, Fenwick, and l/.ard. All things go wril 
here, and thank God, the men are rec<)verin«c rapi«ll3\ 
1 hear not a word from Hampton. I hope he tloes not 
mean to take the stud ; hut if so, we can do w ithout him, 
and 'he should be sent home. 

Truly yours, 

J A. WILKINSON. 
General Armstrone, Secretary of War. 



n 

Sackett's Harbor, jitfs^ust 30, 1813. 
iExtract of a letter from Mnjor G enteral Wilkinson to the 

Secretary of War. 
Sir, 

With every exerlion he could make, it was not until 
the last evening, Chauncey got imder way, and the wea- 
ther being calm, he must he now off this harbor. 

Agreeably to my information. Sir James Yeo sailed 
for the head of the like Ihe 22d in?tant, with the two 
captured schooners in addition to his squadron, no doubt 
to co-Oj)erate with Sir George, but did not get clear of 
the Ducks before the 25th. 

Brigadier General Poyd is warned of this movement, 
and being placed on his gunrd, he ought to battle every 
enterprise of the enemy — what an awful crisis have I 
reached. If hir George beats Boyd, and Sir James, 
Chauncey, my prospects are I. lasted, and the campaiga 
ivill, I fear, be lost. If Sir G<'orge beats Boyd, and 
Chauncey beats Sir James, Kingston yet may be ours ; 
hut slio: 1! bolh the knights be beaten, and our quarter- 
master can find transport in season (of which I have 
fears, as I found next to none here) then we shall cer- 
tainly winter in Montreal, if not discomfitted by some 
act of God. If I could have mustered three thousand 
combatants on this ground, with trans|»ort to bear them, 
I would now have been before Kingston, where Sir 
George has left only one thousand five hundred regular 
troops, and about ftve hundred militia; but our utmost 
force is short of two thousand five hundred, as you will 
perceive Irom the enclose<l return, and we could not 
have found boats to transport one thousand. 

The enemy having determined to change his system 
of operations from defence to offence, is assembling his 
whole disposable force at the head of the lake (o attack 
Fort George ; thus placing himself at too great a dis- 
tance from Montreal to give seasonable succor to that 
city : he certainly presumes on our imbecility, and we 
as certainly should take advantage of his presumption. 

The militia called for should therefore be immediate- 
ly arrayed and marched to this frontier, and Major Gen. 
Hampton should, without delay, cross the Champlain, 
&iid commence his movement towards St Johnsj 



12 

• • • »• ^ 

taking the I?lc an Naux in hi? route or not, u cirf um- 
atances may justify. 

Four thousamlol the best appoin»o»l yeomenry ?hoiiU| 
be ordered to remlezvous at Hamilton, on the St. I^iw- 
rence, for eventual operations with this division: and tiic 
residue may accompany or I'ollow Hampton, to draw the 
militia of Montreal and the di?|K)sahle lorco of thr lower 
country to the east of the St. Lawrence, nnd tin rtby 
make the island an easy conquest from this qiiartcr. 

Sir Geori^e Prcvost, it would seem, has t;«ken hi? 
part, and deluded hy the hope of re-compiest, has al»an- 
cloned his rear to our enterprise, and we mi:;hl now u ith- 
out tile co-operaJ-ion of our scpiadron, safely occupy 
Madrid, and cut off iUv cujumunication of th«* two pro- 
vinces with this ilivihion only, if we had transports; 
but of this we are totally destitute; every boat we com- 
mand here heinsj at this lime ahsent with a detachment 
of eight hundred men, ordered to make a fi'inl to tlie 
westward, under pretence of reinforcinij Niagara, before 
I was apprised of Sir Georire's movements. 

SackcW a Harbor, iuL^ust :iOth. 1813, 
Sir, 5 0^ clock, H. >/. 

1 have commencefl, barely, the arranu;ement of the 
«3epartnient of intelligence ; an intellic;encer left Kings- 
ton or its vicinity, last evening:, to tell m** that Sir 
George Prevost had commenced his operations asiainst 
Boyd, and had driven in his |)iquets and taken sixty or 
seventy prisoners, hut had been repulsed from his line 
of encampment. The militia of Montreal are at kinirs- 
ton, and reinforcements by single hundreils are arri\in^ 
frequently; lour hundred men are expected in the 
course of the week. 

The force at Kingston is 2000 men, (regulars 
1500, militia 500.) Major General Uarrachcommands, 
and they are assiduously strengthening their works. Sir 
James Yeo sailed with six weeks provisions, expressly 
to co-operate with Sir George at the head of the lake: 
A double battle and a double victory offer a strong temp- 
tation : but 1 will not be diverted from my course. 

1 have written Governor Tompkins on the 8ul)ject of 
e draft of militia for the strait of ^Jiagara, to supply the 



13 

alisence of our Iroops of the line, ami prereat clamor, 
but Imve not heea so happy as to receive an acknowledg- 
ment of my letter. 

Wilh perfect respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

JA. WILKINSON'. 
The Honorable John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 

War Department, September G, 1813, 
Sackett's Harbor. 
Dear General, 

I arrived here yesterday. Nothing new, excepting 
that Prevost has returned to Kingston. Gen. Hampton 
will go through the campaign cordially and vigorously, 
but will resign at th« end of it. He will he ready to 
move by the 20th, with an effective regular force of 
4,000, and a militia detachment of 1 ,500. On the sup- 
position that Sir George had decidedly taken his part, 
ind had chosen the i)euinsula as his champ de bataille, 
i had ordered Hampton to move immediately against the 
Isle aux Noix. 2,000 militia will be promptly assem- 
bled at Champion, twenty-four miles from this place, 
and on the route to the St. Lawrence. The place was 
selected, as offering two objects, and of course leaving 
his knightship to guess. To have pushed them directly 
to Ogdenshurgh, Avould not have had that advantage. A 
largrer draft would have been difficult. Another view 
of the snhject is, that this part of the plan cannot be 
confided to militia, exclusivel}^ ; they must be propped 
by a regular corps, otherwise the back door may not be 
snfiaci'^ntly closed and harred. 

The battle on the lake ! Shall we have one? If Yeo 
fights, and is heaten, all w ill be well. H he does not 
fight, the result may aho be favorable. 

Yours cordially, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
General Wilkinson. 

Extract of a letter from 7nujc( general Wilkinson to the 
secretary of war ^ dated fort George, Wtli Sept. 1813. 
" i have indulged the hope for sfverdl days past that I 

sliouki have been enabled to address you in propria. 

B 



14 

])ersoiJ8e, bill, in this 1 ]is/ebeen baf^^^dhy a •evfrc anrt 
uarciiaUing nja'.ady uhicli obliges nie to report to the 
pen oi dConiDion liiciul. 

*' I reac'ie*! this ])iace the evenin;i of Hip iih. Com- 
jiiodoie Chauncey at that time occupied the hnrhor; and 
!^ir James Yeo with the Eiitish sqn.Tlron was vaporiiii; 
ID Iron t of it. This state of things conliniird without 
any material cliange, uniil the evening of the 7th, wlien 
a light land breeze gave to Hie connnodore an o|«portu- 
idtj of standing out to nuet the eneniy. Tlie two 
squadrons were about two leJirrues ariinder, of conse- 
«;uence an action appeared inevitable : yet so it liae 
hapjiened, that, since that jH^riod, until about five , 
o'clock yesterday, P. IM. these two naval armaments j 
have kept from 4 to 8 miles distant, without having ex- 
changed a single shot, or done to each oth«'r the* small- | 
est visible damage. The Ikitish uiiiforndy on the re- 
treat, and the American in pursuit. 

*■• General Peter B. Porter left me today, properl}' au- 
tborised and instructed to bring into oi><Ta!iiMi a corps 
of the Six Nation Indi::ns, which he proposes to in- . 
♦rease to 1000 men, by volunteer? from tiie militia, and 1 
is disposed to be busy and active wherever he may be 
directed. | 

*' I hear nothing of biigadier general M'Clure, and 
the New-York militia. 1 shall mature my plans for em- 
barkation, as rapidly as the dMculties which may oj)- 
pose me can be matured; but we are greatly <leficient 
jn transport, and have not received a single boat from 
Oswego or any other ph'ice. Strong shallo|»s and slip- 
teels are necessary to the transport of the heavy can- 
non, ordnance stores, ammunition, clothing, ^c. <^'c. 

" I am writing to Bomford for many things which I 
was assured I should find here ; and I pray you to put 
him on the alert, or 1 may be caught in the snow. I 
llictate this under much depression of head and stom^ 
Ach^ and am, 

With great respect and esteem, 
Your most obedient servant, 
JA. WILKINSON. 



15 



Mxtract of a letter from ^cnrral fViUdnson to rJie secreta- 
ry of war, dated fort Crrorge, Sept. lo, 1813. 
" I have escaped from my p.-^lrt, an J will; i g-idJy 
head and tremfdins; hand wiliondevor \\ strrw! you a 
few line?, the first 1 have written . ince my arriv-l hejv. 
_" With respect to the ad -aace sq ladn.'is, we arf^ still 
without one word of autl -ntlc infor'nation, hui we are 
enterlained hy daily rumors as wild m\ f^trava^ant as 
^hey are inconsistent and contradictory. 1 h*o5)e we 
may soon have an end of this state of uncertidnty, 
which damps our e>:.-rtions, and retards our measures. ' 
." -^'^l^. ^^»'^oval of the main body of the troops from 
this position is an operation of great delicacy and inter- 
est; and it was therefore your presence here would 
have been more important than elsewhere. 

" 1 am notauthorised to abandon this useless occupan- 
cy, and therefore it must be maintained against the 
united British force in its vicinity ; to secure the end' 
and nothing must be hazarded, will require a serious 
dram from our best trooi)s, which enieebles our too feeble 
lorce for the main attack. Tlie head of the militia un- 
der M^C lure has not yet shown itself: when it does (it 
in any reasonable time), and we have conierred. 
I shall better be enabled to develope the intricate mh 
belore me. But in the mean time, alas ! sir, the sen- 
son will, I fear, be lost. 

" The Indians enter into our views with great zeal 
and 1 look for a corps of at least five hundred men ii 
eight days ; whether to relieve De RoCenbero- of five or 
SIX hundred of his effective men, before I (urn my back 
on him, will be determined by considerations of policy 
in relation of our red allies and the militia, and the fate 
ol our squadrons. The enemy profess to Ar^y a total ignc= 
ranee ol the occurrence of an action between the 
squadrons. 

" In the course of sixteen days the enemy have lost 
sixty five men by desertion, we barely six. We count 
'1,aoo on paper, and could show about 3,400 combat- 
anJs. The enemy, from the best information we have 
have about 3,000 men on paper, of whom 1,400 are sick' 
Shall I make a sweep of them or not, at the hazani of 
our main object ? Not unless that main object is ieo. 
i>anUs8d by tfeg ats ci our sq^aadiong— it would refiuire- 



au operaliou oC three weeks ; but luy vien* nre forward 

ami 1 shall not ahaiidou the i>rufci>ecl while a ray o! 

hope remains. 

" 1 have received your letters to the 0th from Sack- 
i'tt's Harbor, and thauk you lor them. Ten- your eom- 
iort, the men here are j:ainin«: h.eallh, and, with their 
officers, breathe an ardent j=pirit lor combai.' 

Extract of a Idler from major fianral Wilkwsnn to the >i- 
crctary of nar, (latcd fori George, Sc^t. 18, liil3. 

DEAR*GENKRAL, 

Accident detained the express last evemng, and 

fives me an opportunity to drop yon another line. 

'^ Not a word more ofChauncey ; what has become of 

him? I pray yon to deeiile, whether I am to move, with 

or without any furlher Knowle(!i:;e of the squadron. 

From tlie enclosed No. 2, it wouhl appear that ihe 
enemy expect trampjil winter (juarlers in this nei-hbor« 
hood, lor the number of barrack? proposed to be built 
^viil not receive more than 1,100 or 1,COO men, includ- 
ing guards, ordinary nnd extraortlinary, slow Ihrm at 
you can; hut shall 1 have the enemy withUi f«>nr milet 
of this place, mnkinp a wide invc^titm-e of it IrDfU 
Qneenslown to Four r^Iile Creek ; or >hall 1 break him 
ii[)? Avith our i>rospects the decision is embarrassing; 
change them to the abandonment of the chief desi«r»i, 
and our course is direct, viz: to take possession at Wwv- 
Jinclon baj', and cut up or capture the whole division 
in this quarter, which may be estimated at 3,000 recu- 
lar troops. 1 pray you to deliberate on these poiut^s 
and «;ive me yourad\ice without delay. 

1 have despatched an ex|»ress to for 

seneral JMl'lure, ol whom 1 have heard nolhinir since 

• my last; but to sup|)ly the debet of his silcnrc.', the en- 
closed copy of a communication from a coimniltre of 
Avhich P. R. Porter is chief, will fully «^iiHicp. I have 
responded in the most c< n-teous tfrnjs, making; r« fr- 
ence to you f < r your determination on the momentous 
occasion, as you will perceive from my answer. Now 
let me intreat you to weisrh these ])roposition8, to take 
into cojjsideration the possible failure of the militia and 
the substitution in such caseof these volunteers; lor in 
t]ie present crisis, we should, if possible, render "as>>^i- 



17 

fance doubly sure.'' The letter of Daniel Eodiiiati (a 
stranger) is also transmitted for consideration : let me 
have your answer, and tell me how tu act as speedily 
as possible, 1 beseech. The boats from Oswego have 
not yet arrived. 

I am feeble to childhood, but shall look at the troops 
in battalion on Tuesday. 

Truly yours, 

JA. WILKINSON, 
The honorable John Armstrong, secretary of war. 

Fort George, Septemb er 1 8, 1 8 1 3"^ 
Sir, 

I am ordered by General Wilkinson to forward the 
enclosed papers. One a letter from a committee of thre^, 
of which P. B. Porter is the first; and the other a letter 
from Daniel Rodman, the organ of an association of re- 
sidents in and near Canandaigua. 
1 have the honor to be, 

Your most obedient servant, 

H. LEE, jr. 
Major of infantry and aid de camp (• 
Major- General Wilkinson. 
The Honorable J. AniK-itroug, 
Secretary of War. 

Black Rock, September 17, 1813. 

^IR, 

In consequence of encouragements from Gen. Boyd, 
ihat a general and decisive movement was about to be 
made by the army, and that an additional force was de- 
sirable, we repaired to Fort George about five weeks 
ago with 500 men, consisting of volunteers, militia, and 
Indians. JMost of us remained there for twelve or four- 
teen days, but our hopes not being realized, the men 
continually dispersed and went home; not however, 
ivithout expectations, again encouraged by Generals 
Boyd and A\^illiams, that we should be shortly called oa 
again to aid in operations, which the people in tliis j)art 
of the country, so long harrassed by the calan>i'ies of 
■war, feel so strong an interest in forwarding. Undet 
.similar expectations, many of our friends in the interior 
h-lTc iotixnated iQ us their readiness tc join irith respect- 

-B2. 



^h\e reinrorcements en the sliortr:t notice ; an«l \re trr 
inlornied that one company, ai>out seventy ^trons, is ac 
tiially on its marcli> and will arrive here to-ilay or to- 

inorrow. 

We are at thi?^ moment much at a loss how Jo act, 
«ml our difficulty is incicasoc! hy Jli*i various rumoraand 
conjectures circulated by the dilVerrut olVicer? dnily ar- 
vivinfT :rom head-quarlers, some ol" whom reprt^itnt that 
no oil'-nsive operations are to he uudertal^erj on this Iron- 
tier, but that the regular army is imujotliately to be 
juarclied, either to the east to attack Kin«;ston, or to 
the west to join General Harrison. Others state tliat 
an attack is to be made on the Briti.^h forces in tlie vi- 
cinity of this place. 

Under these circumstances, we are indijce<l to ii> 
quire of you, whether such a force ns we ha\e it in our 
power to raise, is desired by yo-i to elTecluate your 
plans, and if so, in what numbers, and at what lime ? Il* 
y^our olject be to sally out upon the enemy at Fort 
George, we could bring; you a respectalde force. Dut 
on the contrary, ifyou mi'ditate an attack at some other 
point, and the withdrawal of the re<;idar troops from 
Fort Georce. and placing this frontier on the delV nsive 
only, by means of niTlitia, we would observe that oui* 
prep irrd force is of such a character as could not he cn- 
«"a2;e'"; in this service. 

Upon the supposition that yon intend to wiJhdrn\r 
the rr.:u!ar troops from this frontier, we he^ leave to 
sabmi! a proposition for your consideration. 

We believe we are not incorrect in saying, that \t 
would require nearly ([uite as great a force to defend 
this line of frontier asr<>inst a given force of the enemy, 
as it would to attack and suhdire that enemy. Sir 
Georee Prevost has ordered the militia of the npper 
province to be called out en masse. They are to as- 
sernhje on Satunlay next. An<l if, after your ilepartnr^, 
the enemy opposite h^ve shouUI tajie it in his head to 
retain all his regular force, and play ofi his skill against 
the inexperience of our militia, we might have occasion 
to fear a repetition of former scenes in the present war. 

Our proposition (in c»se of your k-aving this place) 
is, that we be permitted to raise between this and the 
first of October, a Toluuteer force of from 1,000 to 1.20C 



aien, exclusive of Indians. That vre add foit as man>' 
ot the militia stationed on the lines as may be willing to 
join us. That we be furnished with a small train (say 
4 pieces) of field artillery, with experienced officers and 
men tofieht them, and that with this force we be au- 
thorised to invade the enemy's couatry. 

Should you think proper to confer such an authoritr 
on us, and direct that the volunteers shall be furnished 
V, ith arms, ammunition, and provisions, &c. and receive 
pay while in actual service, we pledge ou? lives that he- 
fore the close of the season, we will occupy the whole 
of the valuable and populous peninsula opposite this riv- 
er, and either capture, destroy, or disperse all the eoc- 
my's force in this quarter. 

Vou may, perhaps, make it convenient to sen«l an an-. 
swer by the bearer, Captain Hall. 

Wo are, sir, most respectfully, 
Your obedient servants, 

PETER B. PORTER, 
CYREMUS CHAPiy, 
JOSEPH M'CLURE. 
Major General Wilkinson. 

Canandahuaj Sept. 14, 1813?, 
Sir, 

A large n.jrnber of patriotic citizens of this and the a.d-^ 
Jacent towns, J^nxious to do their duty in a crisis so in- 
teresting to the nationin general, and to this part of the 
country in particular, have associated themselves to vo- 
lunteer their services to the United States for the resi^ 
due of the campaign at least. 

In order to etfecTuate their intentions however, it will 
be necessary, that their movements should receive your 
approbation and sanction, and tliat they should be as- 
sured that the corps, whether a company, battalion, 
or (as is possible) a regiment, should be received, organ-i 
izBil, and countenanced by your order and authority. — 
The lateness of the season and the anxiety of the mem- 
bers, induce ns to recpsest an early nndauthorit'itive 
reply, that the association may he equipped according 
to law, and be useful to their country this season. It 
s\my not he hardly decoroug for t^ to say it, but we 



must observe that the subscribers will prove (o be obeil^- 
eat and brave soldiers. 

In their behalf, 
1 am, rcspecirully, 

Your obedient servant, 

DANL.KODMAN. 
Major General Wilkinson, or 

Officer commanding Fort George. 

Fort Gcorge, Sep:, 18, 1813. 

Gentlemen, 

Your letter of yesterday winch reached me last even- 
ing:, gives you a claim to my acknowledgments, and to 
those of your country. But as I am altogetlur unaullio- 
rised by law, or iustruction, to sanction your |»lan lor the 
levy of a body of volunteers, and as your anticipaliouf, 
propositions, and suggestions, embrace a range and a 
character upon which 1 have neither right nor autborily 
to deliberate, 1 have considered it my duty to transmit 
a copy of your letter to the secretary of war, now at 
Sackett's Harbor, by express, tor his deliberation and 
decision. 

1 hope he may find it convenient and proper to meet 
your views, and have onl}^ to add, that you shall be ad- 
vised of his answer without a niomeot's delay, after it 
2oay reach my hands. 

With high consideration and respect, 
I have the honor to he, geutlemen, 
Your most obedient servant, 

JA. WlLKLNbON. 
To Peter B. Porter, Major Cyrenius Chapin, 
and Jose^jh M'Clure. 



SacketCs Harbor, Sept. 18, 18 IS. 
Dear General, 

Our information from the other side of the !ak« 
amounts to this: Prevost goes to Montreal. The whole 
regular force in Kingston consists of iew companies of 
De \\ at( r, ille'a regiment, that at Preac^ot of two com- 
panies of tiie same corps, and about forty artillerists. 

De Waierville's regiment was made u> in Sj)ain ; i? 
©omposed of Pole^, Germans, Spaniard*, and Portor 



gnese, anil completely disaffected. What a precioils 
moment my friend is this. 

The commodore ^vas brought back to lis yesterday 
by adverse winds. He goes this morning — let not the 
great objects ot the campaign be hazarded by running 
after Yeo : these accomplished, his race is run. Kings- 
ton, or the point below seized, all above perishes, be* 
cause the tree is then girdled. 

In speaking of your artillery, you do not include th« 
guns taken at Fort George, and which will be neces- 
sary for its defence. A small garrison will be sutlicient 
against assault: siege we need not dread. It is already 
too late to live in trenches. Porter (of the artillery) 
would do weir to command the place. Tell him front 
me he is a brigadier by brevet. 

The means of transportation are now with you, 
hasten j^our march, and may God blesi you in all your 
enterprises. 

Yours trulv and always, 

JOHiN ARMSTRONG, 
General Wilkinson. 



Extracts of a letter from Major Gen. WUMnson to the Sc*^ 
cretary of War., dated September 20th, 1813. 

I am well again, and that's a good thing, for I havfe 
been during my sickness somewhat of a sviell fungus. 

Now indeed would be a fine time to slip into the St. 
Lawrence, if Chauncey could keep Sir*James blocls- 
aded above Kingston, and command the river below at 
the same time, jukI onr preparations vrere completely 
matured; but it is an herculean t;.c=k to extract order 
from chaos, ^o time has or shall be lo-^t on my part ; 
but we CRunot, when prena;c(i at all poinis, control the 
winds — It was last nigbt c- ly the trnnsports from Os- 
we-^o arrived ; and if I aui .»ot hardly opposed by wea- 
ther, 1 hope I shall have 1000 men atloat by the 26th, 
and comi>letemy embarkati- aon the 30lh, after which, 
until we reach Grenadier island. 1 ;nust look to our 
squjMlron and the heavens for saiety. 

Chauncev tells me he is liable to be blown off from 
his statio)], ;>nd in siich c-r^e Sir Jame^ may !^!ip out by 
biro, but promises to follow^ him. It is material, to pre- 



22 

• 4 * ■ • 

rent the enemy from followinci; anJ cutting our rrnr, iliat 
some competent force fliouM take [)0^l on the St. Law- 
rence below Kingston; ;»ntl I pray of you (•> niaVc tliU 
arrangement v.itli Chauiice}'. Before 1 left SacUt It's 
Harbor, I ordered a dozen slip-keeled hoats, to e rry iO 
men eacJj, and to row 30 oar^, to be armed u illi a li^^bt 
cannon in their how. 

This armament is to sweep the St. Lawrence of the 
enemy's gun-boats, and to take post in ailvance, uhen, 
and wherever it may be advi:»ahle 1 heir > on, ii neces- 
sary on your part, to j^ive eflVct to thi-* order. 

We have just received advice confirmatory of a naval 
©ombat on Lake Erie, in which it '\^ <\u\ Perry has* taken 
the whole British sfpiadron, on the lOth instant, and 
brought the vessels into " Putney harbor at the islamls'' 
his own vessel, the Lawrence, barely cajmble of being 
floated. 'J'he action lasted six hours. 'This will can- 
cel your news from our commodore. 

The enclosed letter from G( neral >rClure breathes 
a good s])irit, but he will not be i\\) for several day*». In 
the mean time I shall prepare his onlcrs^ to be ready ta 
give him the comma ml. 

A body of horse, a small one at that point where the 
■fete of the isbmd is to he decided by c()nd)at (for believe 
not that we shall get possession of Montreal without a 
battle) will be invaluable. Hum has been order(<l 
hence some time before my arrival, to recmit his caval- 
ry and prepare them for action, and 1 shall order lum by 
express to-morrow, loincline by indirect dilatory marches 
towards Hamilton, there to look for furtb.eronlers, som.e- 
where about Antwer[) or that (juarier. From Denmark 
or Champion he U to advise the comnianiling otlicer at 
Sackett's Harboi^of his movements. 

De Rotteiiberg is under tiie full belief that I mean to 
attack him, and 1 shall keep up the delusion as long as 
possible. 

The snail's pace of llie reinforcements approaching; 
this division, and pardon me, tlieir direction and route 
occasion me surprise. Of what avail will be the detach- 
ments under Colonels Randolph and Coles/ which are,* 

* Tliese corps arrived ia tiracc 



25 

lleain from ^Washington, on their march to thisplaec, 
where they cannot or will not arrive before the 1 5th 
I)roxinio. If these detachments had been ordered on 
by all the available water communications from Anna- 
polis to Albany, they could have reached Sackett's 
Harbor in season, and a column of 800 men would have 
been found an important desideratum in our impending 
operarions. Where also are the 1000 men rejtorted to 
me by Colonel Duane,as being ready for marching before 
I reached Philadi^Iphia? I must hope near Sackett's 
Harbor. I put these questions to yoUj that I may 
apprise you of facts, that you, with whom it rests, 
may apply the remedy, for I find we possess little 
military subordination or respect, and that a chief of an 
army is obeyed more I'rom courtesy than principle or 
professional obligations. 

I send this by the privateer Fox to commodore 
Chauncey, with a request that he accelerate its 
progress to you. This place neither sto])s a gap, ex- 
tends our possessions, nor covers or protects a country ; 
it is good/or notight, but (o command the ground it oo 
upies, and therefore I shall dismantle and abandon it. 






Exirad of a letter frotn the Secretary/ of War to Major 
General Wilkinson^ dated Sacketfs Harbor, September 
22d, 1813. 
Dear General, 

Your letters of the 16th, 17th, and 18th instant hare 
heen this moment received ; I hasten to answer them* 
The main object must be prosecuted ; Chauncey is not 
i)roken down ; he can and will command the lake, and 
while he does so, our position at Fort George may 
be maintained. If the enemy's sick-list amounts to 
one thousand four hundred out of tlu-ee thousand, the 
enemy can undertake nothing with effect. In this view 
of the subject , close with P. B, Porter'' s proposition, 
made in the following words : viz : " Our proposition 
{in case of your leaving this place) is, that we l>e per- 
mitted to raise, between this and the first of October, a 
Tolunteer force of from one thousand to one thousand two 
hundred men, exclusive of Indians ; that we m\*\ to it 
as many of the militia stationed on the lines as may be 
willing to join usj that we be furnished with a small 



• • • < • 

%&m, (say four pieces of artillery with rxpcnenced offi- 
cers and men to ^ght them) and that with this force we 
he ciutboiised to invade the enemy's country." 

Rodman's corps may join Porter. Any volnnteePB 
you may have with the army, whose times are near ex- 
piring, and who are desirous of conlinuinir in g»^r- 
vice°may do so also. We will cover the whole hy a 
requisition upon Governor Tompkins for addiiionai 

militia. 

The enemy's fleet have left the Chesapeake, I he- 
lieve for Halifax, Avhence the lami trooj»s arc to he sent 
ioto Canada: another motive for quick movements. 

My last letters by Chauncey of the 13th or 10th irave 
jou all we jet know. Prevost h.is lett Kinjrston, it is 
saidfor Quebec; more probably for Aloiitreal. 

YoiU's faithriillv and ever, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 

Niagara, September 27, 1813, 6 o^clock, A. M. 
Dear Sir, 

. .1 received at eiu;ht o'clock last evening^, your interest- 
ing letter of the 22(1, and shall emi)loy its authorisations 
to the lest possible ettect. 

Fifteen hundred men were embarked with orders to 
srU the day belbre yesterday', but a strong easterly wind 
has made itimi;o£sible to move. 

The whole lone, say three thou?and combatants, 
after deducthig the garrisons of Fort George and Nia- 
gara, were ready for embarkation yesterday, and as the 
weather is serene at this moment, I hope the whole may 
be able to move at dusk this day : I say at dusk because 
1 am desirous to keep my neighbors under a deiu-ion as 
long as possible ; they are perplexed as to itiy ititeii- 
tions, and will not be able to penetrate them before they 
have discovered the course of my flotilla. 

I have authentic information from Vork the evening 
of the 24th inst. The brigade of miliiia in the vicinity 
were required to assemltle the 25th, and six hundred 
men of the 4 1st and 49th regiments, second battalion 
were daily expected there on tbfir route to this neigh- 
borhood: this is good; and still better, three spacious 
block-houses are ordered by Sir George to be erected at 
York. 



25 

But sir, here is one drawback ; the tantalizing gir^ 
James Yeo was in shore with his fleet on the evenino-of 
the 24 th, (Friday) about twenty-eight miles east° of 
York. Where he is now, we know not, for he has not 
since been heard of, and Chauncey is just sentMng; out 
the Lady of the Lake and the xVeptune, to reconnoitre 
York and the coast in that quarter. What may be the 
Tiews of the knight? to gasconade, to retard my move- 
ment, or to enable De Rottenberg to follow me ? 1 am 
unable to divine, but will not be longer delayed, and, 
therefore, shall be twenty miles to the eastward before 
to-morrow morning, should the weather permit. If Sir 
James can be discovered, Chauncey will seek him, 
otherwise he will sail with me to cover my left flank. 

As we have not a moment to loose, 1 shall proceed 
directly to Grenadier* Lsland, writing you and sending 
orders to the commanding officer by a despatch boat en 
passant. ' 

After all we are so straitened for transport, that we 
shall not find room for more than fifteen days' provisi- 
ons; indeed, we have little more to spare from this posi- 
tion, and therefore, our sole dependence must be on the 
magazines at Hackett's Harbor, of which the contractor 
should be personally advised. Heaven protect you. 

Truly yours, 

„ . ^ , Jf A. WILKINSON, 

lion. John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 

^ ^ ^<f^t George, October 2, 1 8 1 3. 

Dear Sir, 

Since my last, of the 17th inst. I have had difficulties, 
perplexities, and anxieties, sufficient to discompose a 
saint. * 

Commodore Chauncey having ascertained that the 
British squadron was on the opposite coast, agreeably to 
the mtormation I had ^iven him, left porf on the even- 
insc of the 27th, to look for it; on the morning of the 
28ih, we discovered our squcidroo off ibis place, about 
mid channel, and standing for the York shore ; about 12 

C3e*neral Brown''"'"^'* '''' ^^'' ^'''''^ °^ rendezvous before I heard from 

c 



1^ 

e»>lock, thvMii:^ vfrr lUstant. vr^ dii^coTrrf'il it wh% 
warmly ensiv'^^OiU th«^ numy to IoowhkI mul ^^.Mrl'tly 
discernible: wo couhl uith our classo?, (Hstin;:iiish tliP 
Fike firin;: bo\h her battcri.^s, ami frequeMtly tn>ol«M'»'<' 
in siv.okr. The enemy \\erc (orccA towards the head 
ol tlie lake, aiul ahoul 3 o'clock we lost sijjjht of our stern- 
most vessek the ftctiou ?!ill eontinviinac. Fn>ni that |»e- 
rim^. until yes'teraay nioruins. 1 was kept in suspense as 
to ihe issue of the action, the wiml hlowins a sjaie Iroiu 
the souih-east, ami pnxiucin.i: such a swell as ma«!e it 
iuHH>?jihle lor our privateers to keep the l^ke. and of 
course my Hotilla was connned to port with the tri>ops, 
eitl;er on bi)ard or encamped on the heach. 'J'he e> en- 
iusr before the last, our whole dt et (alone) were discov* 
ered heating down the lake : \\\ the course ol the nighf, 
they came too otT Four Mile Creek, and yesterday morn- 
ins the conuuodore presented himself. Our ohst rvationa 
on the action were in the main correct, except thut tiie 
battle was louirht by the Pike alone, (ornext to it) who 
haviui: carried away sir .tames' wn/vn and main top 
masts, Jiis squadron bore up to protect him. and Chaun- 
t?ey wasenirai^ed with the whole. Vnlucky fellow, he 
could have taken a scb.oont r and n brisr, but his eyes be- 
ing fixed on the conmioilore, he woidd not look at smal- 
ler game. Finally, sir .lamesi, as usual, ran away ; was 
chased to the head of the lake, came to anchor close in 
shore: and the gale and tremeihlous sea threatening, in 
ease of a coutinueil action, to put both sjjuadrons on 
shore, sir .^ames with the British •orce assendded th<'re, 
and I'liauncey into the hamis of the enemy, he clawed 
oi^'aml came down to confer with me ; he has n»} opin- 
ions in writing, and I expect his answer this morning. 

Early yesterday, before I had heanl from tlu^ com- 
modore, the wind, for the first, becoming favorable, I 
despatched all my batteaux,and as soon as I had ascer- 
tained !-ir James Yoo's situation, our savl-boats followed; 
but, alas, before 1 o'clock, the wiiul again came round 
to the south east, and several of our scluumers returned, 
though a majoritj- of them, and the uliol** of the bat- 
tenux proceeded, and 1 hope reachetl Eighteen IMile 
Creek. 

I hare been detained by the arrival of about 350 In- 



27 

diaoe, to whom 1 was obliged to give an au;Uence anii 
a talk, ami I lodged in thi*-: place to bee vviiether the en- 
emy might look at it, ami what would be the conductor 
the garriBon of 090 militia and oOO regular troops?, un- 
der the command of Colonel Scott. We have just hat! 
an alarm, and being my&ell' among the first on parade, 1 
have witnesBcd a scene by which I bhall profit Scott, be- 
fore I leave him, which v/ill be in a couple oi' hours, as, 
thank Afmighly God, the wind again breezes, though it 
has rained all night, and still continues to rain. Oh, it' 
it rnay pleage Gotl to I'avor us with this breeze, we shall 
goon be near you; but it is in his power, by adverse 
>vindg, to delay, and by tempests to destroy us. I move 
with about 3,500 men. Farewell, and God preserve 
you. 

JA. AVILKINSON. 
The honorable John Armstrong. 



Extract from tkr Journal of the Secretary of War. 

" 4th October, 1813. General Wilkinson arrived at 
tJackett's Harbor on this day from fort George. He im- 
mediately visited the Secretary of War, in company 
ivith generals Lewis and Brown, and in the presence oi 
these oiiicers remonstrated freely and warmly against 
making an attack on Kingston — ur£j;ing the pro[)riety of 
passing that post and of going <iirec{ly to Montreal. 

" The secretary of war differed from General Wil- 
kinson in opinion, but thoiigbt bis objections worthy of 
consideration, and proposed a meeting on the day fol' 
lowing for thai purpose. 

" The meeting took [)lace according!)'', when Gene- 
ral Wilkinson j^ret^^nted the paper marked No. 1. That 
marked J\o. 2, was presented by the secretary, and the 
Of)inioa with Avliich it closes was adopted as that which 
fclioukl regulate the movements of the army." 



No. 1. 

Reasons for attacking Kingston anterior io a descent 
upon Montreal. 

1st. We shall capture a garrison of 800 or 1000, and 
demolish a strong bold of the enemj'. 

2(J. \\^e shall destroy his naval depot and magazine 
of ^ytzTy gpecici?. 



28 



3(1. We shall by this opcralion iliriiinirh his force, iU- 
slroy his resources, and |>lace the ilivbion nf the hea»l ol 
the lake, un*ler De UoUedburg, in great ditliciiUy anil 
distress ; and 

4th. We shall destroy every naval reRource, ftnd of 
consequence prevent the huildint;, cijuipjiing, and even 
repairing; a singh^ vessel. 

Agahist this attack it may he urped, 

1st. That the reduction of the place may cost niortj 
lime than we can calculate on. 

2d. It Diay cuci^niber us with wouuded and sick ; 
and 

3d. It is possible the British squadron may as hereto- 
fore elude commodore Chauncey, and tiiui us before 
Kingston, or overtake ns on th<' St. Law rence. 

In the first place, froin the lateness of the season, the 
loss of a few days may expose us to the au(iuiu)al rain?, 
and jeopardise the chief o!>ject of the camfiai^n. In the 
second place, our own force will be iliminished, and our 
mov^ements retarded ; and 

In the third |)lace, the chief ohjrct of the campaip^r. 
ike capture of Montreal^ will be utterly defeatttl, and o*ir 
own army subjected to j^reat dirhcultic s, losses and pe- 
rils. Submitted to the honorable the secretarv of war. 

JA. WILKINSON. 



No. 2. 

1st. The Niagara division will probably arrive here 
iu a day or two. 

2d. The weather is yet good, and the iake navigable 
hv scows and boats. 

3d. The enemy's main force is in the neinhborhootl 
effort Goorge, and his fleet at the head of the lake. 

4th. The garrison of Kingston does not exceed COO 
or 1000 men. 

5lh. If we effect a landing at M'Pherson's farm, o?i 
the eastern side of Kingston, a point fjiay be Feized, 
which will command the town, the forts, and the har- 
bor, and within seven hours after the landiii"; is eflected 
a sutficient battery may be erected and in operation. 

6th, 1^ and 12 pounders will be sufficient for burning 
block-houses^ &c, antl may be dragged by the meu. 



2Sf 

^ \ 

7tli. The time necessary to reduce the place will \ 
exceed a single day, and of course will not niateria» 
jaterlere, on I hat account, with our object below. 

8th. Tiie loss we may sustain can only be con- 
jectured. Judging from that at fort George, where 
the enemy were more numerous, it will be inconside- 
rable. 

9th. The adv^antages of taking Kingston are two: 
you sever the enemy's line of communicatiou, and you 
«xpel him from his only secure harbor. 

The premises assumed under the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th and 
5th heads may change, and our conclusions with them. 
The only safe decision, therefore, is, that if the British 
fleet shall not esca])e commodore Chauncey and get in- 
to Kingston harbor ; if the garrison of thiit place be not 
largely reinforced, and if the weather be such as will al- 
low us to navigate the lake securely, Kingston shall be 
our first object, olhei wise, we shall go directly to MoH" 

JOHN ARMSTRONG, 

Sackett's Harbor, 5th October, lSi3. 



War Department, October 9, 1813. 
Dear General, 

Does there exist between you and the commodore 
a clear and distinct understanding on the subject of our 
plan of operations, and the kind and degree of assistance 
he will be able to give to its execution ? Can he take a, 
position which shall have the etfect of shutting in Yeo, 
and of covering our descent upon Kingston, and our sub- 
sequent movement down the St. Lawrence i* la it not 
probable that a part of the enemy's lleet will, immedi- 
ately on our appearance at Grenadier Island, occupy 
the passages of the river ? If we can be covered in go- 
ing to our first object, and should attain that, we may 
be able to dispense with further naval assistance ; but 
should we fail (a contingency, which being possible, 
ought to be regarded) naval aid will be necessary to the 
prosecution of the second part of the plan. As the fleet 
IS wicd-boumljand the commodore here, explanations oa 

C2- 



39 

Jiiese points may Tje readily ami convenieully giyeu 
Let me kuou' the reyuit, aiitl briirve ine 

Yours trulv, 

JOHN* ARMSTRONG- 
Major general Wilkinson. 

Head-Qiiarters, Sackei's llarhor, Oaobcr 9, 1813. 

©EAR SiK, 

The commodore and myself have hithrrlo undtr^toocl 
each other jjerlectly, and 1 think we ghall iiarnionize to 
the end. He is ready to sail the moment the wind 
serves; and you may rest assured tiiat nothinj; etisen- 
tial to give effect to the operations of the army undtr 
my command, and to nccomidish the views of the gi^ 
vernment, has been or shall be omiiud. 

Respectfully and truly voura, 

J a': WILKIN SOX. 
Honorable John Armstrong, Secretary of War. 



Extract of a letter from Genera! Wi!/iinson, to the Secre- 
tanjofJVar, elated Hcad-Qimrlersj Saiktti\s linrdor, 
Oetoher 18, 1813. 

" The dimimition of our force by disease and various 
casualties, and more especially, tbr unct rtaiufy of the 
peTiod of our movnment agj'.inst lUontr("al, render it ne- 
cessary, in my judgment, that you should revoke the or- 
der ol march you have given to uT^jor sreueral Hampt(»n, 
and that he should be directed to march for Morrirville, 
as rapidly as may be consistent with the health of \\'\% 
troops. This proposition is founded on the presumption, 
that we make the reduction of Kincrston ami the con- 
quests of the upper provinces, the first objects of our op- 
^ralioBs." 



War Depeirtment, October 1 9, 1 8 1 3. 

I received your letter of y^iterday, an<l should hav<; 
answered it more promptly, but that business of the 
south and west required my immediate attention. 

When on the 4th instant you returned Irom Fort 
€J€orge, we had the prospect of a s])efcdy concentration 
©four fcrces M this point ^ the Niagara diri^on had Bail- 



Si 

ed on the 30tli ult. the enemy's principal force occupi- 
ed a cantoninent between lakes Erie and Ontario ; his 
fleet was at the head of the lake, and his garrison at 
Kingston, reduced to seven or eigkt hundred men. Uii^ 
der these circumstances^ it was no doubt wise to decide 
as we did, that our first attack should be carried against 
that place : but do these circumstances any louo;er ex- 
ist ? The expected concentration is but now effected", 
(I8fh oi October) a reiuforcement of l,500men htts bfeen 
thrown iuto Kingston ; the British fleet h s got into 
port there, and our torce, from disease and other casual- 
ties, is according to your statement, diminished and di- 
minishing. To reinstate and auErment this, it is now 
proposed to order general Hampton from his present po- 
sition at Chatauge, to Priorrisville, en the St. Law- 
rence. These places arc distant upwards of one hun*- 
dred miles. A march of such length at this season of 
the year, and in the present condition of the roads, load- 
ed as he is witii a train of artillery, with means of sub* 
sistence, and v«rilh tents and baggage, cannot be j)er- 
formed under fifteen daj^s, to which must be adde<l th« 
time necessary for giving the order, for making the ar- 
rangements preliminary to such a movement, and for 
aialdng also the subsequent one from Morrisville to the 
mouth of the Gaunanoqui river; all of which would pro* 
feably protract the moment of Junction liil the 15th of 
J^'ovember. 

Admonished as we are by the storms which have as- 
sailed us for ten days past, and which have not yet ceas- 
ed, I cannot but think that a period so late v\^ould of it^ 
self be fatal to the project. 

Other circumstances lead to the same conclusion.— 
Beginning our operations from the mouth of the Gaun- 
anoqui river, we siiali have a march of twenty- four miles 
to Kingston, and througha country covered with woods^ 
destitute of inhabitants, and pervious only by two roads, 
which, without any interruption from the enemy, are 
represented as nearly impassable at present. This 
movement (unlike that originally projected)* cannot be 
made without tli€ aid of horses, and a less number of 

** A de^tent at M'Phers^^s fanr>, tiro ctle* acd aheif belcw i-iBg^ajri 



^2 

these tliAn six hundred,! including the 2d regiment of 
dragoons, is, i understand, deemed iiisufficient. No\r 
these must be fed. and their provender drawn from this 
place, as the country i>et ween Gravelly Point and Pul- 
neyviHe, affords none, and interpose* a swampy desart 
which shuts us out from the supplies of Rossie and Kay- 
■yiile, &c. An important question arises here... can the 
necessary forage be chtained from this neighborhood? 
The quarter-nmster-general says " it cannot, that it 
must be carted from^ Lowvilie, ( lO miles distant) and 
transported hence by water." These facls, on your 
plan, menace our operations against Kingston with a 
delay, which would probably surronnd us with all the 
embarrassments of a Canadian winter, and extinguish 
every hope of grasping the other, the safer and the great- 
er object below. 1 call it the safer and greater object, 
because — 

At Montreal, you find the weaker place, and the small- 
er force to encounter : at Montreal, you meet a fresh, 
unexhausted, efficient reinforcement of four tliousand 
jnen : at Montreal, you approacli your own resources, 
and establish between you and them an easy and expe- 
tlitious intercourse: at Montreal, you occupy a point 
which must be gained in carrying your attacks home to 
the purposes of the war, and which if seized now, will save 
one campaign : at Montreal, you hold a position which 
completely severs the enemy's line of operations; which 
3huts up the Ottawa as well as the St. Lawrence against 
him, and which, while it restrains all below, withers and 
perishes all above itself. 

These general, are the thoughts which present them- 
selves on your proposition, and which 1 understand a» 
abandoning, for this campaign, the proposed attack on 
Montreal. 1 am entirely disposed to listen to all that 
can be said on the other side of the question, but at pre- 
sent, the reasons assigned, leave me no doubt of the pol- 
icy of pursuing, promptly and tirmiy,* the plan already ia- 

f Forage for this number was required by the general. 
* This refers to the preceding plan, approved by the president on th* 
23d July, and communicated to geoeral Wilkinson on the 5th of Augast. 



33 

iiicated, aiifl vvlilcli, besides the approbation of (he pfes^ 
ident, has received the sanction of a council of war.f 
1 am, very respectfully, Sir, your most oh'dt. serv't* 

JOHN ARMSTKONG. 
Major general Wilkinson. 

Head quarters, Sackett's Harbor, October 19, 1813. 
Dear Sir, 

I was about to embark for Grenadier Island, when I 
received your letter of this morning, which I will en- 
deavor to answer; my very feeble condition and the 
want of time for reflection, disqualify me from doing full 
justice to my opinions. 

You will recollect that in my letter of the 6th of Au- 
gust, I proposed to take Kingston, as preliminary to an 
attack on Montreal ; you offered a different opinion in 
your letter of the 8 th, and on my arrival here, I submit- 
ted the alternative to a council of war, which decided in 
favor of your plan, to leave Kingston untouched, and 
proceed directly against Montreal; but ulterior consid- 
erations and iiij or illation^ have induced me to adhere to 
my oriofinal plan. 

Permit me, previous to the discussion of the grounds 
©f my opinion^ to submit a few incidental remarks. 

It is extremely doubtful what may be the jjresenf 
force of the enemy at Kingston, and very uncertain how 

X This council consisted of generals Wilkinson, Lewis, Brown, and 
Swartwout, and commodore Chauncey. The opinion was unanimous. 

Note. — Before tiie sucretarv of war left Sackett's Harbor, and while 
it wsi? deemed practicable, and was intended to carry our attacks against 
both Kingston and Montreal, he had one or more conversations with 
commodore Chauncey, on the general subject of naval co-operation. — 
These had particular reference to two points, the place cf landiiig (in 
case Kingston was the object of attacit) and the (hgree ^f protection 
which the fleet could be able to render to the debarkation of the army. 

The places of descent indicated by the secretary were three. 
1st. IM'Pherson's farm, two miles and a hali below Kingston. 
2d. The mouth cf the Little Catarqui, four or five miles above Kingston 

and 
3d. The mouth of the Gananoqui river, twenty-four miles below Kings- 
ton. 

Tlie commodore's answer was substantially as fellows : that he would 
not take upon himself the responsibility of covering the lauding of the 
army at the^r.^t of these points, but that he would cover its landing at 
either of tlie other two. 

* Tliis ulterior inforDiallon was not coiumucicatcd to the gecretary flif- 
Tf.ar, 



34 

siucR our owa force may have been diuiiiiialied by uit- 
ease, and the casualties attendias: our movements. 

From the retreat of Proctor before general Harrison, 
and the iaCormation received from colonel Scott, I think 
it probable that De Rottenherg, with the effectives of 
his division, has gone to reinforce Proctor, and tliat the 
iroojjs which have descended to Kingston consisted on- 
ly of the sick of that division. 

My idea of recalling general Hampton to reinforce us, 
Vv'as produced by an alarm with respect to the insufficiea- 
ey of our force, which I found spreading ; and the direc- 
tion which 1 suggested was (bunded on your own propo- 
sition* of the 13th instant, at which time 1 understood 
you to offer the opinion, that the march from Hampton's 
encampment to Morrisville might be accomplished in six 
days, and my owp oi>inion is, that by disembarrassing 
iiimself of his artillery and its attirail, perhaps he mightbe 
able to make the march in that time, era few days more. 

My reasons for preferring the attack of Kingston to 
^hat of Montreal, are these : 

By the reduction of that place, we conquer a province, 
mot only of great importance to the ent^my, but a valu- 
able acquisition to ourselves ; we capture or destroy four 
thousand of his best troops; we put an en*! to the Indian 
■War, and by the destruction of his naval force, establish 
<)ur command of the lake, and permit a respectable [nut 
«f our naval force to be employed elsewhere. 

On the contrary, leave Kingston, its garrison, and the 
British squadron in our rear, and proceed to Montreal, 
Bone of those important objects will be gained. The 
enemy will remain in undisturbed oossession of the pro- 
vince, at liberty to exercise his enterprise against this 
frontier at (tiscretion ; for it is a fact, however opinions 
®iay vary, the resources of ihe province are adejjuate to 
the subsistence of his army. His naval sufwriority ou 
the lake will he re-established 'y the opening of the 
spring, the Indian depredations mav be encouraged anti 
eoDtinned ; or sheiiid he prefer it, he may, on the open- 
ing of the campaign, leaving sir James Veo triumphant 

Jft vp 3i 1 ij'^'f'rmed in six days 7 General W. au9^vered in the ne- 
eagaawa"^ ^""^ ^^"- Hampton should be ordered ta go on to- 



33 

Ott the lake, with a suitable garrison for the profectiois 
^f Kingston, descend the St. Lawrence with his main 
force and iall upon our rear, while we shall be engaged 
in front, admitting we succeed in establishing ourselves 
at Montreal. 

Having passed Kingston, the fortifications at Prescott 
may j)resent such an obstacle to our further [)rogress, as 
to conjj)el us to land and reduce it by force ; an opera- 
tion which mjiy consume more time than can be s[)ared 
at this advanced season, i speak coniecturally, but 
shoiikl we surmount every obstacle in descending the 
river, we shall advance upon Montreal ignorant of the 
force arrayed against us, and in case of misfortune, hav- 
ing no retreat, he army must surrender at discretion. 

I will bjirely ad !, that as the winter commences at 
Montreal by the 20ih of November, should we be de- 
layed on the rout I y any untoward incidents, our em- 
barrassnu nts and perils will be greatl-y multiplied. 

I oifer these results of my frail judgment with a con- 
scientious regard to the public good. I am bigotted to 
no project, and therefore am willing to yield my own 
judgment to that of others. 

Personal considerations would make me prefer a vis- 
it to Montreal to the attack of Kingston; but before I 
abandon this attack, which by my instructions I am or- 
dered to make, it is necessary to my justification, that 
you should by the authority of the president, direct the 
operation of the army under my command, particularly 
against Montreal. With my earnest wishes for the suc- 
cessful issue of whatever may be undertaken, I am, dear 
«ir, with much respect and esteem, truly yours. 

JA. WILKINSON. 
The honorable John Armstrong, secretary of war. 

N. B. All the objections which apply to the lauding 
below Kingston may be obviated by landing above it. 
My sole motive for suggesting the idea of landing be- 
low, was to prevent the scarrisoii's escape. If there be 
a deficiency of forage on our part, it is the fault of the 
quarter-master general, who was instructed as early as 
August to lay in a supply of twelve thousand bushels 
for the subsistence of the cavalry. 

J A. WILKINSON. 
Honorable J. Arragtiong, secretary of war. 



36 

Wtdorments m die preceding letter, hythe secretary oj 

war, 
Note. If we look at the plan of campaign of 23d July» 
we find that it proposed an attack on Kin»sfon, and 
even indicated the mode of that attack. If we examine 
general Wilkinson's letter of the Gth of August, we 
fjid that he provisionally adopted that opiuion; and if 
.-we refer to the letter of the secretary of war of the 8th, 
so far from expressing a different epinio)i, Ave discover 
that it instructed the general to choose between a direct 
Siiid indirect attack on that post. It was not therefore 
any difftrence of opinion between the secretary and the 
general that was submitted to the council of \rar, as 
stated in the preceding fetter, but the mere alternative 
presented by the instructions of the letter, the simple 
choice between the two modes of attack. 

War department, October 20, 1813. 

SIR, 

I received your letter of yesterday by major Lee, 
You appear to have written it under an impression, that 
-your instruction of August last made a direct attack up- 
on Kingston unavoidable. A copy of these instruct- 
ions is before me, and in the last paragraph of them we 
find a summary of llteir substance. It is as follows ; 
'*' After this exposition, it is unnecessary to add, that in 
conducting the present campaign, you will make Kins^s- 
ion your principal object, and that you will choose, as 
circumstances may indicate, between a dirict and ant/i- 
direci attack on that post." Both modes ol attack arc 
slightly detailed in these orders, and a preterence given f 
to the latter, but without at all infringing your riuht of 
choice, or in any degree lesseniuL'" your resfionsibility. 
Nor am I now at liheHy to change the ground of these in- 
structions, since the only effect of this would be, to sub- 
stitute my opinion for yours. The former has not how- 
ever been withliebJ; it has been given freely and fully, 
and is yet unshaken by any consideration presented to 
my mind. 

As we are now about to part, it may be proper that II 
should subjoin to what 1 have said in favor of a move- 
ment on Montreal, a short statement of my objectiopii 
to a direct attack on Kingston. 



• 1 st. If its garrison consists offour tlioiisand of the best 
troops of the enemy (as you suggest) your attack will 
fail. 

2d. If your attack fails, your retreat is inipracjicable! 

3d. Your descent must necessarily be made above 
or below the town, on the water's edge, and within a 
short distance of your object. If made below the town, 
your fleet cannot cover it:"^ if made above the town, it 
must be done in presence of the enemy, and within 
stroke of his fleet, and that he will think the object suf- 
ficient to justify the risk cannot be doubted. Besides, 
an approach on this side, however successful, leaves to 
the enemy the means of escaping. 

4th. The experiment already made of the lake na- 
vigation is not encouraging. Though pressed by no en- 
emy other than the weather, the army has not been 
able to reach Grenadier Island, but in broken order, 
and with considerable loss. On your plan they have 
eighteen other miles to go on the open lake, and much 
of this distance under the eye of the British fleet. Is it 
probable that our scows will be able to navigate this re- 
maining distance (at a season and under circumstances 
so unfavorable) in better order, or with less loss ? 

These are the best thoughts I can offer, and it only 
remains to add to them my best wishes for your army 
and for vourself. 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Major general Wilkinson. 

Ladi) of the Lake, off SacketVs Harbor, October 24, 1813. 
SIR, 

I was at Grenadier Island the day before yesterday, 
and found the troops drop{)ing in so slowly, tiiat I de- 
termined to return, hunt them up, and quicken their 
movemen'. r>ly presence at the Harbor was also neces- 
sary to h^ve clothing selected to cover numbers of our 
naked men. 

I will say nothing of the horrid condition in which 
that place was left. Colonel Coles has arrived with up- 
wards of two hundred good men, aiid expects about 

* Coai. Chauncey declared he -would not take tlie rrsponslbility ot 
covering the descent of tile army if made at M'Phcrsou's farm, bdom 
the town. 

D 



el^tT more lo-day. Randolph and 5ooti are pT?^eHHI 
at 0>wesxx nine hoodred strong. I hare con o 

rig and s^nd off vessels to brin» up six hundreii of them 
in seasoti for nay moTemeni from Grenadier Island, 
whkh will not be delayed one instant unneressarily. 
The people at Kington appear to be much aflTrighleil, 
firing tkeir alarm pins on the slightest -\ J. 

N. has returned, jumI if be — ^ ^t^ creui^evi. :-'c Hot ten- 
ter* has DOtarrihred, and ^., .^e force they can spare is 
sent doim the river lo tadie po?s«^-'<^"i -f. ai>d fortify 
9ome critical passes. MykealthcoL - jnioriunate- 

iybad. 

I hare the honor to be. 

Most resf>ecifully. Sir, 

Vourobt. servant. 

J A. WILKINSOy. 



Ertraet §f a, letter from MaJ. Gn%. JTiUoMS^^y to the St- 
critary tfWsr, dated Grenadier Isinnd^Ocf. 29. 1813. 

^ I send yoo this by an extra aid de camp, Captain 
Nour^e, to relieve the anxiety to which you must be 
subject, in the impeodinsr erentful moment.'' 

'• The extent of the injuries to oar craft, the clothing 
and arms of tl>e men, and to our provisions on the pas- 
sage from Sacketi's Harbor to this place, greatly ex- 
ceeded our apprebt^oaioBS* and ha? - ' 'Cted us to the 
necessity of fumishinr a supply ofci-. >.iug, and of mak- 
ing repairs and equipments to our fiotilla generally. In 
fact, all our hopes hare been very nearly blasted ; but 
thanks to the same proviiience which placed us in 
Jcofiardy, we are surmounting our difficulties*, and. God 
willing, I shall pass Prescott on the ni^ht of the 1st or 
2d proximo, if some unforeseen obstacle does not pre- 
sent to forbid me. I shall expect to hear from vou at 
Morrisville, where Colonel Swift is to meet me. and to 
gnard again&t cAance shots, I ^^irh waggons woold be 
held in readiness to receive our powder and field amofnH 
nidon, at a snit^le distance above Prescott.~* 

" I keep up the delusion here ; and the enemy, about 
sisteen hundred strong, exclusive of five hundred mili- 
ti?-. -ire in liaily expectation of a visit at Kinsrston. yet 
they hare taken post, I uaderstand, at Cornwall and the 
Coteas de Lac. — No matter, once pasc^d Prescott, and 



Tj9 

our bayonets aod sabres thall remove aJI impedimeniz." 
" The inexorabje ^vinds and rains continue to oppose 
and embarra&c our rnoTements ; but I am seizing on eve- 
ry moinent'g iaterval, lo slip into the St. Lawrence 
corps and detachments, as they can be got ready. Our 
rendezvous will be in Bi..fh creek, about twenty mile* 
below, and neaxly opposite to Gananoqui, which posi- 
tion menaces a descent on the opposite shore. I sha!} 
&aii from that position at four o'clock of (he mornin<^. 
and Will pass Prescott about the same time the ensuing 
morning.'' 

'•• We have had so-ch a fluctuation of sick and well 
bfeiueen this place and Sackett's Harbor, that it is Im- 
possible to say in what force we shall move; but 1 cal- 
culate on GOOO combatants, exclusive of Scott and Ran- 
dolph, neither of whom will, I fear, be up in seasoo, 
notwith-tandins all my arrangements and exertions to 
accelerate their march; they are both under provisional 
orders for 0?densbur<r," 



Jf'ar Departinait, Denmark, October 30, 9 oxhck, P.Af. 
Dear General. 

^ I this moment received your despatch by captain 
Nour?e. I rejoice that your diSculties are so far sur- 
mounted as lo enable you to say, with assurance, when 
you will pa'^s Preseott. I should have met you there ; 
but \sixOi roads, worse weather, and a coosiderabie decree 
of illness, admonished me agamst recedins further 
froo] a point where my enj^agements call me about the 
1st proximo. The resolution of treading back my 
steps was taken at Antwerp, and communicated in a 
letter from that place by Major Lu?h. I wrote a sin- 
gle line to you to-day, driving the fortunate issue of Har- 
rison's bu?ioes5, and his arrival at Fort George with 
M' Arthur's brigade. If Vincent be within the penin- 
sula, Harrison will rout hmi out. It remains ^\-ith yoa 
to sweep the rest of the line beiore jou. Montreal ta- 
ken, what are Prescott and Kingston ? Give Hampton 
timely norice of your approach, and of the place and 
hour of junction. 

Yours sincerelv, 

JOH.% AR3LSTR0NO. 
^I'-ijor-Gencral WilkJcsoB- 



40 

Extracts oj a hturfrom Major-Gmcral IVilkinson. to dt<* 
StitcUiry vf ilaty tinted Gii nattier Islanti, \or, 1, IHUJ. 
*' You uill peri'^ivo Irom tlio thipUcnto imuUt i'ovt*r 
gutter of the iSili oIlVtofKT,) \\ Int wtre my ralnilu- 
lions four dayssinct^; but tl:e wiutUaiul wavtsand rauH 
and snows still prevail, aiul wr have made scvt TaHruitlt^* 
attempts to turn Stoney Point, <>ne of them at i^reat peril 
to three thousand men, whoiii 1 seasonat)ly renmndeil 
to the llnrhor witlunit the loss of a life. Our siek, oi\o 
himdred and ninety-six in numlier, have not taretl n* 
Hell ; they were emharlvtd in stout condortahle vessels, 
«nd saileti the day before yesterday nmrniii': for Sack- 
ett*s Harbor, hut thev Avero driven on shore l»y a storm, 
Hliich continued with iinremitlini; violence all nij^ht ; 
and as no exerliou could relieve them, I anticipated the 
loss of the uhole; but the tempest havini; abatCil, and 
the wind shifted friMn S. W. to N. F. boats were sent 
out vesterdav moriiini!:, ami Dr. Bull reports the lo<s of 
three luen oidy. Other means of transp(Mt will be pro- 
Tided to-morrow, and these unfortunate mei\ w ill be sent 
to the hospital at Sacketl's Harbor." 

*' Bri?:adicr Brown with his briixa.le, the li;j;ht ni-^ 
tillery, the riilemen, the vi>hinteers, the sun bt>at?«, 
lUsseTs regiment, and a part of IMacomb's, are, I 
expect, safe at French creek, with the artillery and 
ordnance stores. These corps have matle the traverse 
of the arm of the lake under circumstances ofirreat dan- 
der, though fortunately without the loss of a life, but at 
Ibo expense of some boats." 

"•I shall wait one day longer, and if the pns?np:e sholdd 
!»till continue impracticable to the troops, 1 will land 
tliem on the opposite shore, nu\ix'l.* them acro-s the 
country to the iSt. Lawrence, and the empty boats round 
to a civ en rendezvous.'* 

'• As Major-General Hampton is under your order?, 
permit me to suci^est to vou what is worthv of rellee- 
tion — whether he should take a position and wait the 
arrival of my cojumand, near the couttuence of the Sf. 
Lawrence and (iraud river, or whether be sluMdd move 
down the St. I^awrence and rtiennce Chambly ? If he 
is stro!!?: enoui^h to meet Sir Oeorue, the latter will be 
the preferable plan, because it will have the elVect to 
diviile ilie enemy's Ibrce ; otherwise he shouhl hiUm'* 
the first idea, hazard uolhiug, and strengthen n»y hauils,* 



4f^ 

*• The enrlosecT copy of a mernorafidurn troni Colo- 
THl! Swiif, will nhow you what he is afxjijt, I flatter in)- 
acW. to your ftatiHfaction. The sole unpleasant circum- 
8lafK:e before me, is our total ignorance of the //ro/yarc- 
2ions of Sir (jeorj^e, and what we may expect to meet 
on 1}i<' i*lan<]. I fear no consequences; hut it mu^t he 
painful to lead more than feix thousand irian to battle? 
hoodwinked; and yet all my efforts to procure intelir- 
gence from .Montreal have proved fruitless." 



Eil.racl of a Utter from the Secretary of War to GcnercU 
IVUkin-son, dated War Department, \st Nov. 1813. 
" Frevoct will [jerhaps be found between the Cotean 
<le Lac an<l Ihe I:-:le Perrot. If wise, he will attempt 
to fi^ht you before your Junction with Hamilton. Avoid 
tiiin, leave noDilnj^ to chance ihntyou can settle on your 
own term.=. A junction with Hampton enables you to 
give the law." 



Extract of a letter from General Wilkinson to the Secre- 
tary of IVar, doled Grenadier Island, November 36', 
1^13, 7 o'clock, A. M. 

" The troops and squadron are at last in the river, ex- 
ceptin^^; Macomb^s rcL^iment, with which 1 shall joia 
them by 10 o'clock, as tlie weather is propitious, l^x- 
treme illness, and the arrival of Colonel Randolph witii 
230 men, kept me here last evening. We shall be ea- 
camped at French Creek tf>rii2ht; will take to-morrow" 
for final orj^anizatlon and arrani^craent-, and the next day 
either pass or prepare to take Prescott; l)y preference I 
shall not disturb the place, because 1 have no time l» 
•space." 



(Extract.) 
Albany, I2th November, 1813. 
/)f:AR GeneraIj, 

My accounts from and of you are of the same date, 
Neither come down lower than the 3d instant. These 
left you with the reserve at Grenadier Island. 

General Hampton has made a movement towards the 
St. Lawrence. After feeling and skirmishing with the 
enemy, he retired again to the Four Corners, until he 
iMid notice of your approach. I h^^teoetl to iuform b'ut 

P2 



42 

by express (who would reach him in 48 hours) tiiat yoir 
■were in motion; that on the 3th you wouhl pass or take 
Prescott, and that on the 8th you wouhl he at Hamil- 
ton, whence he mii^ht expect to hear from you; that 
he mus^t put himself again in motion, and take a pos> 
lion which would enable him to Join you, or which 
should detain the enemy on the south side of the river. 
IfPrevost, on learnins: your approach, (piits his present 
jiosition, and re-occupies the north bi\nk of tiie St. Law- 
rence, Hampton goes on and Joins you. If he remains 
on tlie south hank, he abandons lAIontreal and even the 
road to his capital. In the fulness of my faith, th;U you 
are in i\Iontreal, and that you have both seen and seized 
on all the advantyges that tlie errors of an enemy may 
have given you, I am, 

Det\r genera]. 

Cordially yours, 

*J. ARMSTRONG. 
Blajor General Wilkinson. 



Extract of a htter from Major General WirAitiwu io the 
SecT^ctan/ cf War^ dated French Mills, j\ov. 1 .5, 1 J> 1 ;i. 
It is a fact, for which I am authorised to pledge my- 
self on the most confidential authority, that on the .|:li 
of (he j>resent month the British garrison of Montreal 
consisted solely of four hundied marines and two hun- 
t'red sailoi-s, which had been sent up from (^ueliec. — 
What a golden, glorious opjiortunity has been lost by 
the caprice of :MaJor General Hampton. 

Mead-Qitarlers, French Mills, adjoiyiins: the province af 

Lower Canada, Novcmhcr : 6, 1 f; 1 3. 
Sir, 

i beg leave fo refer yon to the journal which accom- 
panies this letter, for the paniculars of the movement of 
the corps imtler my command down the St. Lawrence, 
and' wjlj eadeavor to exert my en!ecbled mind to detail 
to you the more striking and imjjortant incidents which 
hare ensued my departure from Grenadier Island, at 
the foot of Lake Ontario, on the 3d instant. 

The corps of tiie enemy from Kingston, \\ hich 
followed me, hung on my rear; and, in concert with 
a heavy galley and a few guu-bortF, seemed deter- 



43 

Bjined fo retard my progress. I was strongly (empte-i 
to Iialt, turn about and put an end to his teazmg*; but 
a!as, I was confined to my bed. Major General t^enis 
ivastooill for aoy active exertion; and, above all, 1 did 
not dare sutfer mysell to be diverted a single day (rom 
the [prosecution ol the views ot'tiie government. 1 had 
written Major General Ham[»ton on the ijlii irist. by his 
a<ljutant-general Colonel King, and had ordered him to 
form a junction with me on the St. Lawrence, wliich I 
exj)ecte<l would take place on the 9th or lOth. it would 
have been unpanlonable had 1 lost sight of this object 
a moment, as i deemed it of vital importance to the is- 
sue of the campaign. • 

The enemy deserve credit for their zeal and intelli- 
gence, w hich the active universal hostility of tlie male 
inhabitants of the country enable them to emjdoy to the 
greatest advantage. Thus, while menaced by a re- 
sj)ectable force in rear, the coast was lined by musquet- 
ry in IVont, at every critical pass of the river, whicb 
obliged me to march a detachment, and this impeded 
my progress. 

On the evening of the 9fh instant, the army halted a 
few miles from the head of the longue saut. In the 
morning of the lOlh, the enclosed order was issued.— - 
General Brown marched agreeably to order, and about 
noon we were apprised, by the report of his artillery, 
that he was engaged some distance bek>w us. At the 
same time the enemy were observed in our rear, and 
their galley and gun-boats a})|;roached our flotilla and 
opened a fire on us, which obliged me to order a battery 
of eighteen pounders to be planted, and a shot from it 
compelled the vessels of the enemy to retire, together 
with their troojis, after some firing between the advanc- 
ed parties. But, by this time, in cousequence of dis- 
embarking and re-embarking the heavj^ guns, the day 
%vas so far spent, that our pilots did not dare enter the 
sant, (eight miles a continued ra)dd) and therefore we 
fell down about two miles, and came to for the night. — 
Early the next morning every thing was in readiness for 
motion ; but, having; received nointelligence from Gen. 
Brown, I w as still tielaved, as sound eantion prescribed 
I should learn the result of his atfair !)el'ore I committed 
the flotilla to the saut. At half past 10 o'clock, A. M. 



44" 

an officer of dragoons arrived with a letter, in whicU 
the general inlbrmed me he had iorced the enemy, and 
woiskl reach the loot ol tl»e saut early in llie day. Or- 
ders were immediately given for the ilotilla to sail, at 
which instant the enemy's gun-boats apj^eared, and be- 
gan to throw shot among us. Information wa? broii-tit 
me at the same time, from Brigadier General Boyd, that, 
tlie enemy's troops were advaucing in column. 1 im- 
media eiy sent orders to him to .ittack them. This re- 
port was soon contradicted: Their gun-boats however 
continued to watch us, and a variety of reports of their 
movements and counter-movements were brought tome 
in succession, which convinced me of their determina- 
tion to hazard an attack when it could be done to the 
greatest advanta'-e, and therefore I determined to anti- 
cipate them. Directions were accordingly seat by that 
distinguished officer. Colonel Swift, of the engineers, ti> 
Brigadier General Boyd to throw the detachment of his 
command, assigned to him in the order of the precedins; 
day, and composed of men from his own, Covington s 
and Swartwout's brigades, into three cohnnns, to march 
upon the enemy, out-flank them if possiiile, and take 
their artillery. The aclion soon after commenced 
with the advanced hody of the enemy, and becr.me ex- 
tremely sharp and galling ; antt with occaT^ional [»auserf, 
Was sustained with great vivacity in open space and 
fair com'iat, for upwanls of two and a iKilf hours, the 
adverse lines alternately yieldiiig and advancing. It 
is imjiossible to saj with accuracy what was our number 
on the tield, because it consisted of indefinile detach- 
ments taken from the boats to render safer the pass^age 
of thesaut. Brigadier Generals Covington and Swart- 
wont voluntarily took part in tlie action at (he head of 
the detachments from their resnective brigades, and ex- 
hibited the same courage that was displayed by Briga- 
dier General Boyd, who hapi/cned to be the senior offi- 
cer on the ground. Our force engaged might liave 
reached sixteen or seventeen hundred men, but certain- 
ly did not exceed eighteen hundred. That of the ene- 
my was estimated at fr(xn twelve hundred to two thou- 
sand, but did not probably amount to more than fifteen 
or sixteen hundred, consisting, as 1 am informed, of de- 
lacbments from the 49th, 8-ltb, aaU I04th regiments of 



45 

the line, with three companies of the roltigeur and 
Glengan'^ corps and the militia of the country, who arc 
Bot inchided in the estimate. 

It would be presumptuous in me to attempt to give 
jon a detailed account of this affair, which certainly re- 
flects high honor on the valor of the American soklier, 
53 no example can be produced of undisciplined men, 
witJi inexperienced officers, braving a fire of two hours 
and a half, without quilting the field, or yielding to theii' 
antagonists. But, sir, the information I noiw give you 
is derived from officers of my confidence, who took ac- 
tive parts in the conflict ; for, though I was enabled to 
order the attack, it was my hard fortune not to be able to 
lead the troops 1 commanded. — The disease with which 
I was assailed on the 2d of September, on my Journe;f 
to Fort George, having, with a few short intervals of 
convalescence, preyed on me ever since ; and at the 
moment of this action, I was confined to my bed, and 
emaciated almost to a skeleton, unable to set my horse, 
or to move ten paces without assistance. 

I m.ust, however, be pardoned for trespassing on you? 
lime a few remarks in relation to the atTair. The ob- 
jects of the British and American commanders were 
precisely opposed; the last being bound by the instruc- 
tions of his government, and the most solemn obliga 
tions of duty to precipitate his descent of the St. Law- 
rence by every practicable means ; because this being 
effected, one of the greatest diflicnlties oj)i>03ed to the 
American army would be surmounted. And the first, 
hy duties equally imperious, to retard, and if possible, 
prevent such descent: He is to be accounted victorious 
who effected his purpose. The British commander, 
having failed to gain either of his objects, can lay no 
claim to the honors of the day. The battle fluctuated, 
and triumph seemed, at different times inclined to the 
contending corps. The front of the enemy wfis at first 
forced l)ack more than a mile, and, though the}' never 
regained the ground thus lost, their stnnl was permanent, 
and th^ir charges resolute. Amidst these charges, and 
near the close of the contest, we lost a fi«d<tniece by 
the fall of the officer who was serving it with the same 
coolness as if he had been at a narade of review : Thi« 
was Lieutenant Smith of the light artillery, Avho i.^ 
point of merit stood at the head of his grade* 



46' 

The enemy bavinc; halted, and our troops beiii^- 
again formed in batlalia Iront to Iront, and tlie tirinj' 
ceased on both sides, we resumed our jiosiliun on llie 
bank of the river, and the iufautry being much fatigued, 
the whole were re-embarked, and j)roceeded down the 
river without further anno}ance from the enemy or 
their gun-boats, while the dragoons, with five pieces of 
light artillery, marched down the Canada shore without 
molestation. 

It is due to his rank, to his worth and services, that I 
should make particular mention of Brigadier General 
Covington, who received a mortal wound directly thro* 
the body, while animating his men and leading them to 
the charge. He lell where he fought, at the head of liis 
men, and survived but two days. 

The next morning tlie Hotilla passed through the 
saut and joined that excellent officer. Brigadier General 
Brown, at Barnharis,near Cornwall, wiiere he had been 
instructed to take post and wait my ariival, and where 
I confidently exj)ected to hear of Tdajor General Hamp- 
ton's arrival on the oppos^ite shore. Hut immediately 
after 1 halted. Colonel Atkinson, the inspector-general 
,of t!ie division under Major General Hamp.ton, waited 
lon me with a letter from that officer, in which, to my 
^vMnspeakable mortification and surpri??, he declined tlio 
t;,unction ordered, and informed me he was nr'rcliing to- 
twards liUke Champlain, by way of co-operating iivthe 
^proposed attack on iMonlreal. 

This letter, togetlier wi'li a cojiy of that to which it 
is an a»i3wer, were innnediately submitted to a council 
©f war, composed of my general oflict rs, and the colo- 
nel commanding the elite, the chief engineer, and the 
adjutant-general, wljounaniaionsly gave it as their opini- 
on, that "the attack on T^iontreal shouM le abaudoneil 
for the present reason, and the arniv tiien nt ar Corn* 
wall should be immediately crossed to the American 
shore for taking up winter quarters, and thai this place 
afforded an eligible position for sjjch quarters." 

1 acquiesced in tJif^se opinions, not from the shortness 
of the stock of provisions (w hich had been reduced by 
the acts of God) because that of our meat had been in- 
creased five days, and our bread had been reduced only 
two tiays; anU because we could, in case of extremity. 



47 

have lived on the enemy ; but because the loss of ih& 
division uuder Major-Generai Banipton, weakened mj^ 
force foo sensibly to justiiy the attempt. In all my mea«> 
sures and movements of moment, 1 have taken the opi- 
nions oj my general officers, which have been in accord 
with my own. 

I remained on the Canada shore until the next day, 
without seeing or tiearing from the " powerful force," 
of the enemy in our neighnorhood, and the same day 
reached this position with the artillery and infantry. — 
The dragoons have been ordered to Utica and its vici- 
nity, and 1 expect are fifty or sixty miles on the march. 
^ You have under cover a summary abstract of the 
killed and wounded in the affair of the 11th instant, 
which shall soon be followed by a particular return, in 
wiiich a just regard will be paid to individual merila. 
The dead rest in honor, and the wounded bled for 
their country and deserve its gratitude. 

With perfect respect, I have the honor to be, sir, 
your obedient humble servant, 
^ JA. WILKINSON. 

The Hon. John Armstrong, Secretary of VV ar. 

Mdurn of the killed and wounded of a detachment of the 
army of the United States^ descending the St. Latvrence^ 
under the conmiand of major-general James Wilkinson, 
in an action fought at Williamsburg, in Upper Canada^ 

' on the II th No vemher, 1813. 





KILLED. 
















WOUNDED. 




























^; 










































* 












































r^ 












































^^ 


■* 










































s 


ZIfc 






















1? 


i 

tfl 


c 


X 

.Si 
■L 


r: 

a 




> 


■i.4 


ri 

< 




c 


V 


'c 


3 


a. 


2S 

o 

CO 


en 

C 

a 

OP 


i 

o 
c 

o 


.2 

m 


en 
<U 

■*-> 

rt 
0^ 




bJC 

a; 




< 

5 


" — 


— 


-■ ■ 


— 




— 




— 





— 


— 


— 





— 


— 




- -■ 


^•a 


-_- _. 


,« ' 


3 


7. 


3 


1 


:]8 


99 


102 


1 


1 


1 


1 


1 


5 


6 


2, 


13 


1 


198 


221 


2.37 


320 339 



48 
^"mus of the Commissioned Officers Killed and JVonndcd. 

KILLED. 

Lieutenant William W. Smith, of the lijjht artillery. 

David Hunter, of the 12th re;2;i,neut iniantry. 

, Edward Olmstead, of the IGlh, do. 

■VSOl NDED. 

Brig. Gen. Leonard Covington, mortally, (since dead.) 
Major Talbot Chambers, assistant adjutant general, 

slightly. 
Major Darby Noon, aid-de-camp to brigadier general 

Swartwout, slightly. 
Colonel James P. Preston, of the 23d regiment infantry, 

severely, his right thigh fractured. 
Major William Cummings, 8th ditto, severely. 
Captain Edmund Foster, 9th ditto, slightly. 

David S. Townsend, 0th ditto, severely. Ta- 
ken prisoner. 

Mordecai Mj^ers, 13th ditto, severely. 

John Campbell, 13th ditto, sJightly. 

John B. Murdoch, 23th ditto, slightly. 



Lieut. William B. Heaton, tDh ditto, severely. 

John Williams, 13th ditto, slightly. 

John Lynch, 14th ditto, severely. Taken pris" 

oner. 
■ Peter Pelham, 21st ditto, severely. Taken 



prisoner. 
' James D. Brown, 25th ditto, slightly. 

Archibald C. Crary, 25th <litto, severely in the 

skirmish the da}^ before the action. 

ADJU TANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, 

Head-Quarters, Military District No. 9. 
French Mills, Nov. 1813. 
J. B. WALBACH, Adjutant-General, 
N. B. Colonel Preston commanded the 13th regi- 
ment of infantry during the action ; and Major Cum- 
mings did duty with the lOth regiment of infantry in 
the action. 

October 21 st. Boisterous weather; left Sackett'^Iar- 
bor; at night arrived off Grenadier Island. 

October 22d. Called for a return of tha troops on the 
island ; found a large 'lody to be still in the rear, wreck- 
ed or stranded ; returned in qiiegt of them, and lo order 



49 

Trom the harbor a snpply of Avinter clothing and sh«*»» 
for the troops on the island, who were nearly destitute ; 
observed at uight, on our way up, many fires on differ- 
ent points of the coast; wind so high" could not call 9t 
them : reached the harbor at midnight. 

October 23d. Orders given for the shipment of the 
clothing; many stragglers picked up and embarked for 
Grenadier Island ; Col. Coles arrived with two hundred 
men of the 12th regiment, and sailed for the samo 
place; the Growler equipped, manned, furnished witli 
a ski[)per, and sent to Oswego for Colonels Randolph 
and Scott (who were expected at that place) and as 
many men as she could carry. We sailed for Grena- 
dier Island; arrived about 8 o'clock at night off the isl- 
and ; weather blustering, with frequent rain. All this 
time the general's illness continued without abatement. 
October 24th. Hard rains with heavy gales. Still at 
anchor off the island. 

October 25th. The general landed ; and measures 
' were immediately taken to seize every pause of the pre- 
vailing storms to slip the flotilla into the St. Lawrence 
by small detachments. In these deceitful momentary 
calms we found it im])Ossible to traverse in safety the 
arm of the lake to Gravelly Point, though distant only 
nine miles. In the several attempts made, many boats 
driven ashore, and much provision and clothing lost. — 
French Creek, nearly opposite the point where the ene- 
my expected we should land to attack Kingston, was 
made the general rendezvous of the trooj)s, and Briga- 
dier-General Brown ordered on to take the chief com- 
mand. The expedition of the Growler was so far sue- ^ 
cessful, that on the 31st Colonel Randolph, aflef a peri- * 
lous voyage, reached Grenadier Island with two hun- 
dred and thirty men of the 20th regiment. On the 2d 
November Commodore Chauncey, by concert, entered 
the St. Lawrence, fell down nearly to French Creek, 
and took a position to command the north and south 
channels. In the evening of the 1st November our vi- 
gilant enemy having observed, even amid the storms, 
our movement and position at French Creek, attacked 
the detachment at that place under General Brown, 
about sun-set, with a squadron of two brigs and two»» 
schoonerF, with many boats loaded with infantry for 

£ 



52 



sf^if iil. In pas^in^ Prescott, Iwo of onr largest vet^^el6 
leaded ^vith provisions, artillery anil ordnance stores, ei- 
ther tlnongh cowardice or Ireaihery, had been run into 
tlie river near Ogdeusburgh, and opposite Prescott. 'J'he 
enemy kept up Fo constant a cannonade on them, timi 
we lo'und it ditiicult, and lost half a tlay, to p;et them 
out. We perceived the militia in arms at .Johnson, 
tlirectly opposite u&, and several pieces of tield artillery 
m motion. Understandinj: that tlie coast lu low was lin- 
cd with posts of niusquetry and artillery at every narrow- 
pass of the river, colonel ^lacoiuh was detached about 
one o'clock with the elite corps of about iJOO men, to 
remove these obstructions, and the general got under 
v/ay about half i)ast three o'clock. Four or live mileB 
helmv we entered the hrst rajiids of the river, and soon 
after passing them, two pieces of light artillery, w hich 
had not been observed b)^ colonel Macomb, ojtened a 
sharp fire upon the general's passage boat, but without 
any further etfect than cutting away some of the rigging. 
Lieutenant colonel Eustis, with a part of our light gun 
barges, came within shot of the pieces of the enemy, 
and a cannonade ensued, without injury on either side. 
In the mean time major Forsythe, w ho was in the rear 
of the elite of colonel Macomb, landed his rillemen, ad- 
vanced upon the enemy's guns, and had his fire drawn 
by a coui)le of videttes, posted in his route, on which 
their pieces were precipitately carried olT. The general 
came to at dusk about six miles below the town of Ham- 
ilton, where he received a report from colonel Macomb, 
who had routed a party at a block-house about two 
miles below, and captured an officer. 

November 8th. This moriiing the flotilla fell down 
to a contraction of the river at a point called the "• W bite 
house," where the dragoons were assembled to be cross- 
ed. Brigadier general Brown w^asorderecl this niorning 
to reinforce colonel Macomb with his brigade, and to 
take the command; and the whole <lay and following 
night were devoted to transporting the dragoons. About 
noon this day we received advice that two armed schoon- 
ers and a body of the enemy in batteaux, estimated at 
loot) or 1500 men, had descended the river from Kings- 
Ion and hmded at Prescott; that they had immediately 
sent a tlag across the river to Ogdeusburgh. and demand* 



«3 

ed the delivepy of all public property there, under the 
penuity orburning the town, ^ot long alter, inlbrma- 
tioa was received that the enemy had re-embarked at. 
Prescott in their batteaux, and were following us w ilh 
seven gun boats. 

November 9th. This morning very early the enemy 
menaced our rear, and a slight skirmish took place be- 
tween our riflemen and a party ol their militia and In- 
dians, in which we had one man killed and the enemj 
were driven baJck. The cavalry, with four pieces of 
light artillery, under the command of captain M'Pher- 
son, were attached to the command of brigadier general 
Brown, and he was ordered to march to clear the coast 
below U3 as far as a point near the head of the "long 
saut." The rapidity of the current obliged us to halt 
the fiotilla several hours, to enable general Brown to 
make good his march in time to cover our movement. 
During this period the enemy frequently threatened our 
rear, but never intlicated an intontlon to make a serious 
attack. About three o'clock, P. M. the flotilla got un- 
der way and came to, about live o'clock, attheyellovr 
house, having floated near eleven miles in two hours, 
%vhere we encamped for the night. 

November lOlh. This morning the following order 
was issued : 

"MORNING GENERAL ORDERS. 

" Head-Quarters, Tutile's Bay, Nov. 10, 1813. 
" General Brown will prosecute his march with the 
troops yesterday under his command, excepting tw9 
pieces of artillery and the 2d dragoons, who with all the 
well men of the other brigades, except a sufficient num- 
ber to navigate the boats, are to march under the or- 
ders of brigadier general Boyd. This precaution is en- 
joined by regard to the safety of the men in passing the 
longue saut ; and as this ra[)id is long and dangerous, the^ 
general earnestly requests the commandiag officers of 
frgiments and corps to examine the boats and see them 
properly fitted, in order to avoid accidents as much a« 
possible. Brigadier general Boyd will take the neces- 
sary precaution to prevent the enemy who han^s on our 
rear from making an advantageous attack, and if attack- 
ed is to turn about and beat tliem. The boats are to 
resume the station assigned them ia the original order 

E2 



^-i. 



re^p^ting: the flotilla, and for this the c omnianiiiug offi- 
cers of regiment? and brUades will be heKI a< r^poott- 
Lie. The moremectofyesterday was a reproach totheser- 
rice. The ffotilta will come to to-day at Darnhart?, near 
Crab Island, and two guns frooi the front will be the sig- 
nal for landing. In case of an att?xk in force beyond 
r.Il expectfitioz, the corps onder ' -•; '•-- - -rrals Boyd 
and Brown are to co-t>per::ite v, ,u. t,»^i, ,....- |)n.>m|>lly 
*and with decision. The ^reneral officer of the day will 
strictly attend and see that the fl<3tilla luit^uflTand ino\es 
in the prescribed order, and will arrest any officer who 
presumes to deviate tlierefroin.'' 

Brigadier general Brown marched, and ahont noon 
was engaged by a party of the etx^my near a block home 
on the saut, erected to harras? onr flotilla in its descent. 
About the same time the ♦ e observeti to he 

advancing on qui rear, ami i .iWy and ?;ni l>oat5 

hove in sight, appr:>achetl our .. i;.a then at sliore and 
began to caiinona'^*^ ** Thp t'f r-.r'pf. ftnicfure of our 
gun barges made ii , .ii to rr^i-t the loni; 

twenty. four ponn*ler o4 the f pmy'« galley ; this obliged 
the general to order two c . cr? to J»e run on 

shore and formed in battery, a ^insle s!:ot from which 
gave Mich an alarm to the enomv*s \ that thcr re- 

tired u;> the river ac^ nied bv tiittr troo:>5. Brit 

these slight operations sv ;..r wasted the i\\y that our pi- 
Jots were afraid to enter th saut \i continuetl rapid of 
eight miles) with the fiotilla; we therefore fell down 
^itiiin two or three miles of the trTr* o*" ?? n.rd rr.me to 
for the night. By this time the g ne fO 

extremely ill as to be nnable to set up, ami was confined 
to hi? ^red in a small birth under the quarter deck of his 
passage boat. 

November llih. Having he-^rd the firing of the can- 
Eca yesterday between gene ral Brotvn and the enemy, 
heing still nnapprisetl of the resuU, it hec: - - ry 
that we should hear from hhw Vfore we cin., r- 

selve? to the sauL which anov's no retreat, r g, 

BO tiirning to the right or left *>ut where the i; y 

ofthecarrect rmnek ALout 10 or II o'clock, A. M. 
the commander in chief received advice from genera!" 
Brown that he hr.d forced the enemy to retire btfore 
h*mj and had arrived aexr llic feot of the ** c Or- 



QD 



ders were immediately giren for the flotilla la prepare {« 
sail, and for general Boyd and his command to com- 
rnence their mdrch, when some firing took place from 
the 2:un boats, and a report was brought to the com- 
mander in chief that the enemy wa= advancing in col- 
umn ; on this be ordered general Boyd to attack them, 
and the flotilla was directed not to leare the shore. BuSt 
the report was soon after contradicted. A Tariety of re- 
ports respecting their raoveraeijts and counter move- 
ments were, after this, successively brought to the gene- 
ral, which impressed him with the conviction that the 
enemv had determined to *ttack his rear as soon as the 
flotilla should put off and the troops commence their 
march ; he resolved to anticipate them. He therefore 
sent colonel Swiit of the enarineers. with instructions tt> 
brigadier general Boyd, who bad been directed by the 
order of the preceding day to take commaad of the de- 
tachment on shore, to form that detachment into threc^ 
coiumas, to advance upon the enemy, to endeavor to out 
fiank them, and to take their artiilerj'. Soon after this 
the action commenced, and for the Dtmibers engaged 
was extremely warm and bloody for upwards of two 
hours, during which time, in open space and fair combat, 
the raw undisciplined troops of the United State? brav- 
ed, and frequently drove the best troojis of the British 
army. Descriptions of battles have become too subser- 
vient to the gratification of pereonal vanity and the ac- 
quisition of popular applause ; yet every man who has 
lakea j>art in a great action must know that there is no- 
thii)£ more diiScuIt than to do iastice to the merits of a 
battle in all its parts, where it is h^.rd to find two omcers. 
nless fizhting side by side, who agree in opinion as to 
file propriety of measures and the conduct of men. The 
fortunes of this dsy were various ; sometimes one line* 
sometimes the other giving way. Unfortunately, during 
the shiftings of the Hction, by the death of lieut. SmUh, 
a yooDg officer of the highest promise, i\w enemy got 
possession of a field piece, the only trophy they obtain- 
ed. It is difficult to speak of the precise numbers en- 
tranced on either side, 'because the detachment under 
general Boyd ci^nsisted of an indefinite number of hi? 
own, Covington's and Swart wont's brigades, onlereA 
irom on board the boati to lichtejD tbeni; end rave the- 



bo 



ijazard of the mens lives in descending the saut. Nei- 
ther Covington nor Swartwout were obliged to have tak- 
en part in the action, with this detachment : yet they 
both entered the fiekl, taking command ol" that part of it 
which belonged to their respective brigades, where they 
exhibited the same courageous conduct which distin- 
guished general Boyd on the field ; and to the great loss 
of the service brigadier general Covington received a 
mortal wound when encouraging and leading on his de- 
tachment. The numbers engaged on our side could not 
have exceeded sixteen or seventeen hundred men, while 
those of the enemy are reckoned, by spectators, al from 
one to two thousand ; but 'tis probable did not exceed 
1,500, consisting, as we are informed, of detachments of 
the 49th, 8-Ith, and 104th, the voltigeurs, and (Jleugari- 
an regiment. 

With respect to the courage disj)layed by our officers, 
it would l)e useless to enter into details, since they all 
manifested in their resi)ective stations equal intrejiidity. 
The names of the meritorious dead and wounded will 
be recorded in another place. The firing ceased by com- 
mon consent about 4 o'clock P. I\I. our troops were form- 
ed in battalia in front of (he enemy, who were also in 
line, and they separated, the enemy to their camp, and 
we to our boats. The troops being much exhausted, it 
was considered most convenient that they should em- 
bark, and that the dragoons with the artillery should 
proceed by land. The embarkation took[)lacc without 
the smallest molestation from the enemy, and the tlo- 
tilla made a harbor near the head of the saut, on the op- 
posite shore. The views of the American ami British 
commanders were, on this occasion precisely oi)posed. 
The first being bound by the instructions of his govern- 
ment, and the most solemn obligations of duty to preci- 
pitate his descent of the St. Lawrence by every practi- 
cable means, and the last by duties equally imperious to 
ret4ird, and if possible to prevent such descent. If then 
he found himself victorious on this day, it w is certain- 
ly in his power to have effected one or the other object; 
and as he made no attempt to effect either, it follows in- 
contestibly that he had no fair ground on which to claim 
e victory. 



51 

• • • *• 

November 12th. The flotilla sailed early this morn> 
ing, and passed down the saut without discovering eith- 
er the boats or troops of the enemy, and arrived, in the 
course of the forenoon, at Barnharts, where the com- 
manding general received a letter from major general 
Hami)ton, by the hands of colonel Atkinson, his in- 
spector general, which blasted all his hopes and destroy- 
ed every prospect of the campaign. A council of w ar 
was called upon the receipt of this communication, 
which was submitted to their consideration, whereupon 
the council determined that the conduct of major gene- 
ral Hampton, in refusing to join his division to the 
troops descending the St. Lawrence to carry an attack 
against Montreal, rendered it expedient to leave the 
left bank of St. Lawrence, and to remove the troops to 
French Mills, on Salmon river; and on the 13th of No- 
vember this recommendation was accordingly carried 
into effect ; ample time having been given to the enemy 
to have tried a second action, if they had dared to rua 
the hazard. 

Extract of a letter from major general Wilkinsoti to the se:^ 
crelary of war, dated French Mills, Nov. 17, 1813. 
*' After what has passed between us, you can perhaps 
conceive my amazement and chagrin at the conduct of 
major general Hampton. The game was in view, and, 
had he performed the junction directed, would have 
been ours in eight or ten days. But he chose to recede, 
in order to co-operate, and my dawning ho])es, and the 
hopes and honour of the army were blasted." 

Extract from the general order of genercd Wilkinson of 

Novewher 13. 
*' The troops are to embark without loss of time; yet 
*are not to be hurried in leaving the Canadian shore, from 
whence the commander in chief is compelled to retire 
by the extraordinary, unexampled, and it appears un- 
warrantable conduct of major general Hampton, in re- 
fusing to join this army with a division of 4,000 men un- 
der his command agreeable to positive orders from the 
commander in chief, and as he has been assured by the 
secretary of war, of explicit instructions from the war 
department. 



" Thus tleprived of a larsje portion of his promisetl 
force, the coiiiniamler in chief feels himself hound hy a 
sense of regard to his meritorious corps, and of harred 
duty to the United States to spare the lives of t)rave 
men, aud not to hazard th«' character or interest of the 
nation, hy an unLijual contlict. He with lively rej2;ret 
and the deepest mortilication, suspeiuls the attack oa 
Montreal. But he assures the army that it is not aban- 
doned." 



f^olonel Purdifs report to major srfnrrni U'ilkitL^an of tlw 
action at Chatcawj^mf, &:c. transmiittd hij Ifu gaural to 
the sccretan/ of war. 

1 arrived at Cumherland-head Septeniher 10th, 1813, 
and on the 18lh took coinmand ol th«' 1th regiment of in- 
fantry, stationed at that place. The army, con-isting 
of about lour thousand men, was coinjio^ied prirn'ijially 
of recruits wlio had been but a short*tkne in serrice, and 
had not been exercised with that ri«;i(| discipline so es- 
sentially necessary to constitute the .oldier. 'J'hey hatl', 
indeed, been tauj^ht various evolutions, but a spirit of 
subordination was foreiijjn to their views. On the liMhj 
orders were i^sutMl lor the whole army, except a s(jiKnlron 
©f horse and the artillery, to embark in batteaux. The 
P.rni}'^ g;ot under way, preceedrd by the li<rht corps, and 
Canked on the risfht by the navy, and arrive«l at Vhav.y 
at 12 o'clock at night, lay on their arms, embark<'<i a«;ain 
coon after sunrise tiie next morning, proceeded down 
the lake as far as Champlain, and up Clnunplain river 
Ihe distance of lour miles, where we landed and innnedi- 
ately marched to Odletown. The light corps, whopre- 
eeeded the other troops some hours, surprisej! and de- 
feated a guard of the enemy at that jdace. We remain- 
ed at Odletown until the middle of the next i\ny, during 
which time a want of system in the management of the 
army was readily discovered by every military man, that 
led to apprehensions for the safety of the troops, should 
the enemy op|)03e with any considerable force. The ar- 
my returned to Champlain the 21st, the 22d to Chazy, 
and the day following commenced the route to Chatau- 
gay. The whole of this march, a distance of more than 
seventy miles, was very disagreeal)le : the ofticers were 
.Hot permitted to take ^vith them the nece^jsaries, much 



^9 

less the convenieucies of life, and were compelled t^ 
adandon clothing and other things essentially necessary 
to preserve the body in health. SVe forbore cornjdaint, 
endured every privation, presuming the commanding of- 
ficer had sufficient reason for his conduct, and conclu- 
ding it was pro bono [)u';iico. The scene has past and 
time sufficient has elapsed to have discovered those rea- 
sons, had they existed: none have been found; on the 
contrary, circumstances have demonstrated that it was 
a useless and unnecessary sacriice of both public and 
private property. The army remained at Chataugay 
twenty six days, and on the 21st October commenced an 
excursion into the enemy's country. The first brigade 
followed the course of the Chataugay river to rijjears, 
the distance of 18 miles and upwards, and there met the 
second brigade, which had taken a nearer and more con- 
venient route. The march was very fatiguing, equalled 
only by another that soon followed. Credit is due to 
both the officers and soldiers for their orderly conduct, 
patience, and perseverance, in surmounting the incredi- 
ble obstacles the enemy threw in their way. On the 
25th a difficult and very fatiguing ex})edition was plan- 
ned, and the execution of it assigned to the first brigade^ 
which had been for some time previous, and still remain- 
ed under my command. The design was to cut olf the 
retreat of a body of the enemy, supposed to be encamp- 
ed on the banks of the Chataugay, six miles distance. — 
With this intention the first brigade was ordered to cross 
the river at night, march silently down and recross at a 
ford two miles below the enemy and attack them in rear 
giving a preconcerted signal, while the second brigade 
moved down the road in front. We commenced the 
march at sun-down, and by sun-rise the next morning 
liad gained only six miles I Here we were discovered 
by the enemy and fired on from the opposite side of the 
river. During that night we were repeatedly misled by 
the guides who knew nothing of the countr}^ having ne- 
ver been that way, and at the time we were attacked, 
they had led us into a thick cedar growth or swamp oq 
the banks of the river and immediately opposite the en- 
emy's position, and knew not how to extricate us. In- 
credible as it may appear, general Hampton entrusted 
nearly one half of his army, and those his best troops, to 



60 

the <rindanee of men, each of whom repeatedly assnred 
himlhat they were not acquainted with the country, and . 
were not competent to direct such an expedition. At 
the ^^aoie time seneral Hampton told me he had a man 
by the name ot^'tfmith, who had a perfect knou It-d^e o\ 
4he country, and whom he promised to send me, hut winch 
he neo-lected to do. The defeat of the ex|)edilion was the 
consequence of this neglect of the major general. Mjout 
two o'clock, while receiving an order from colonel kin^, I 
adjutant general, upon the opposite s\i\e of the river to 
march hack four miles and then ford the river and join 
the 2d brigade, the enemy made a furious attack on the 
column by a great discharge of muketry, accomi)anied 
by the yells of the savages. Inforlunattly, the word 
<' retreat," was heard, which for a short time spread con- 
fusion among the several corps. A sufficient number, 
however, remained tinn, and the enemy was soon (com- 
pelled to retire. Tow ards sun-down I sent general Ham- 
pton a request that a regiment might be ordered dow n to 
cover my landing on the opposite side of the river; but 
judge my surprise, on receiving intelligence that he had 
retreated with the second brigade nearly three miles. — 
Thus was 1 deserted w itliout the smallest guard to cover 
niy landing. To w hat cause shall it be attributed, that 
the general ordered a retreat, and that too at the moment 
when the presence of the second brigade was required, 
or couhl be useful, as soon afterwards he declared "he 
should be willing to compound w ith the first brigade for 
500 men." The wounded had previously been convey- 
ed across on raits, w hich made a removal of my brigade 
to that side absolutely necessary for their protection. — 
An attempt was accordingly made, and a floating bridge 
soon constructed of old logs found on the margin of the 
river. The enemy discovering ourdisjiosition, commen- 
ced a firing from the opposite side, and killed several 
while crossing. Major Snelling, with about a hundred 
men effected a landing, and joined the main l)ody. The 
remainder of my force, exhausted by the excessive exer- 
tions of the preceding night, and weary with the faticues 
of the day, not having had a moment either lor rest or re- 
freshment, were compelled to endure the privation of 
sleep anotlier night. AVe retired tw o or three D)ile& 



6i 

aad took a position. At about 12oVlockiheen?na7ca.i.it; 
up and made an attack uj)on us, but were soon routed. 
The men at this time were formed and Ijin<^ on th<' 
ground they were to occupy in case of an attack, and 
were ordered to and did immediately rise, seize their 
arms, and remain under them the residue of the night. 
An excessively heavy rain prevented the tiring both ol 
the enemy and ourselves, except occasionally a single 
gun from the former. Our troops were ordered not to 
fire, but in case of a repetition of attack to charge bay- 
onets ; this was accordingly done. The enemy charg 
ed several times, and as often were put to flight. It is 
observable in this place, that so greatly were the men 
overpowered by fatigue, though in a situation every way 
dangerous, and in w hich they had every reason to be- 
lieve they should be sallied upon by the enemy every 
moment, many were unable to conquer their disposition 
to sleep, and it was not in the power of the officers to 
keep them awake. It was on the morning of this last 
attack, that the general expressed his apprehensions for 
the first brigade, and made the declaration above quoted. 
The next morning we crossed the river and joined gene- 
ral Hampton ; on the 2Slh the army retreated four miles, 
and on the 30th and Slst marched back to Chatauga3\ 
The troops at the times of the attack were not in a situ- 
ation to endure further fatigue ; and it is an indubitable 
fact, that many of them w^ere so debilitated they were 
Tmable to proceed with the brigade on its march from 
the place of its last attack, and actually did not reach the 
main body until the day after the brigade had joined it, 
and some not even until the army had reached llie Four 
Corners of Chataugay. 

Never to my linowledge, during our march into Cana- 
da, and while we remained at the Four Corners, a term 
of twenty-six ilayg, did general Hampton ever send off a 
scouting or reconnoitring party (except in one or two 
cases at Spear's in Caoada, when he detached a few dra- 
goons for this duty) nor did he, from the time we com- 
menced our march from Cumberland head to our arrival 
at Plaltsburgh, ever order a front, flank, or rear guard to 
be kept up, though agreat part of the time we were in si- 
tuations which evidently required it. True it is, thesp 

F 



C2 



••■ 



uards were occasionally sent out, nof, however, by hig 
order, but by tho orders of the ofKcers coinmautling bri- 
gades. 

By a general order, dated Chataugay, November 5, 
the general says be has {)aid the first atfenlion to tiie 
sick, and has granted fhem indulgencies >\ideh created 
•Riurmnrings on the }^art ol sctne ottieers at their posts. 
It J5 only necessary Iiere to ol)srrve, thateAery olhcer 
©f the army can testily that the sick were very nmch 
neglected as far as regards conilbrtable quarters and 
IrausportatJon, and that they were strewed along the 
roads througii which we marched without care or attend- 
iince; and it is nre?nmable that many have died in con- 
sequence of tliis, who miglit have been saved to them- 
selves if not to the service. 'J'he general, indeed, at the 
lime this order was issued, which was after our return to 
the Four Corner?, did order transfiortation for the sick 
to Eurlingtoii, but this ie the only instance to my know- 
ledge. 

The commissary's department is worthy of notice. 
My order for provision was not sufficient; nor could I 
•Vdain any but by special license of general Hampton. 
TJie commissary of issues hais been constant!}- in the 
liahit of selling the livers. \c. of the beeves to officers; 
and though I rej>repented Ibis lo general Hampton as imI- 
nsual and improper, he relused to take any olhtT iu)tice 
of it than saving'' the commissar}' is accountable for all 
parts of the beef, even to a |»ound or ounce of tallow ;'* 
nor did he take any notice of another piece of miscon- 
duct of the commisFHry, that of acting in the capacity of 
autler, l.ut sanctioned it by purchasing of him. 

I'he common practices with general Hampton, of ar- 
resting officers and relensing them without their consent; 
of releasing arretted ofVicers without the knowledge or 
consent of the officers by whom they were arrested (the 
case of lieutenant Morris, of the 33d regiment, who was 
arrested by me on the charge of cowardice and miscon- 
duct before the enemy on the 26fh October, IP* 13, ihc 
time of the skirmish with the enemy at ()rm«town, or 
CI.^'.- uviy river, being an irstrnce); of refusing to ar- 
re-t officers whom I reported to him as havinir deserted 
fheir posts in time of action ; of daily issuing orders and 



i^3 

countermanding thn-n; and of interfering in an impropei: 
miiti;ier with the subordinate commands of the army, as 
a TM^ereuce to the orders issued by him wil- show, mark 
very strongly the capri«iousne?s of his cor/J.uct and the 
total WALK of steadiness in his intentions. 

Such has been the general's conduct on some occa- 
sions, that I have, in common with other ufacers, beea 
induced to believe that he was under the influence of a 
too free use of spirituous liquors. 

I must, injustice to General Hampton say, that the 
expedition he planned, and which I have called "dilficult 
and fatiguiag," did, at the time it was sugge <ted to me, 
by him, meet my full approbation, and that I have since 
seen no reason for changing my opinion of its practica- 
bility or usefulness ; but i must also aay that it required 
competent guides; and these (as I said before) he pro- 
mised to furnish me, but did not. 

I am of opinion no officer that has served under Ma- 
jor General Hampton, on the late campaign, can, or will 
contradict this statement. 

(Signed,) ROBERT PtJRDT. 

Colonel 4th infantry. 

A true copy, • 

R. H. M'PHERSON, 
Capt. and secretary. 

Extract of a letter from the Secretary of War to Major 
General Wilkinson, dated Albany, Nov. 18, 1813. 

" Mv last advices from vou are of tho 3d instant. 
Report says that the garrisons of Kingston and Prescott 
have found means to overtake your rear, to bring it to 
action, to handle it roughly, and to compel it to retreat 
to the main body. To this 1 give no credit. 

" 1st. Because moving with the celerity necessary 
to your objects, it is highly improbable that they could 
by any exertion, have been able to overtake you; and 

" 2d. Because it is quite incredible, that finding in 
your rear, a heavy corps capable of disturbing the main 
action of the campaign, you should not have taken ef- 
fectual measures to beat and destroy it. If 1,600 men 
were not sufficient for this purpose, 0,000 w^ere so : and, 
the g^arrisons of Kingston and Prescott destroyed (though 



ti4 

\vs failed of gfeUing to Montreal,) Ike upper pro\iuce 
■yvas uoii. 

Extract of a letter from Major Gen. IVilUnson to the Se- 
cretary of War. dated Frcrich Mills, Nov. 24th, 1313. 

" 1 have Iiad Uie honor to receive your letter of the 
}5(h instant IVom Alban}', and hope my de^^patches 
have reached yoii which lett thison the ]7th. 

"With resj)ect to the unfortunate issue of the cam- 
palgn, I di:?rhiim the shadow of hiame, because 1 know 
I liuve done my duty, and more than my duty, and so d<y 
those with whom I have acted. To General Hampton's 
outrage of even/ principle of ffuhordination and discipline 
may be ascribed the failure of the expedition, and that I 
hiive not yet iiiixsted him must he attributed ta my re- 
spect for you, and my desire that the arrest thouhl pro- 
ceed from tlie highest authority; for if this act he suf- 
fered to pass unnoticed and unpunished, it will estab- 
lish a precedent to justify disobedience and subvert 
those obligations of blind obedience on which the effici- 
ency of military institutions exclusively dej)end. 

" After our losses by deaths, desertions, and discharg- 
es since we left SackcU's Harbor, I lliiak Ave shall not 
be able to sliow you more than G,000 men at this point, 
exclusive of the drasjoons who have been ordered to 
Grcenbush and Pittslield lor convenience and economy. 

War Department, Nov. 25, 1813. 
Sir, 

U is recommended to you to consolidate your infantry 
and arliller}' into coii.[)lete regimenls, or as nearly so as 
possible, for the winter,retaining a full complement ofyour 
most eilicientollicerstocomfnand them, and detaching ail 
surplus officers immediately on the recruiting service, 
and to the several districts indicated by the rules and re- 
gul.'itions. This regulation shouW extend to General 
Hamplon's division. 

An immediate inquiry into the terms of enlistment of 
the men composing your army should he instituted, and 
endeavors should be made to re-enlist all those whose 
terms of service are about expiring. 

The most severe attention to discipline must be bf- 
gnn, and the slightest departures from it, whether ia. 



©tXiCor or soltliei*, noiiced and punished. Cierks to the 
several companies must be appointed, and company 
books kept, showing every thing received by the soldier 
and charging bim therewith. If on the next or any future 
inspection, it be found that any article of his clothing, 
or of his arms, has been lost or sold, the article is to be 
supplied, and the price deducted from his wages. With 
regard to the clothing and arms there have been the 
most shocking abuses. 

Confidential reports are provided by the rules an#l 
must be made agreeably thereto. The inspector who 
neglects or refuses to perform this duty, shall be dismiss- 
ed the service. 

I am, sir, very respectfully. 

Your most obedient servant, 

JOHN ARMBTRONa. 
Major-General Wilkinson. 



Extract of a letter from Blajor General Wilkinson to the 
Secretary of War, dated Head-Quarters, Maione, ISi'i- 
litary District No. 9, Dec. 6, 1M3. 

" Your three letters of the 25th ultimo came to hand 
on the 30th ; and I am happy to find that i had antici- 
pated the views cf>mmumcated in those letters, as far as 
respects the security of our flanks and centre. When I 
-.ordered Major-General Hampton to reinforce the post 
of the Four Corners, it was under the im])ression that 
Cumberland-Head was gu-inled ; but the moment i v/as 
undeceived and apprised of the exposed situation of our 
depot at Plattsburg, the order was countermanded, as 
you have seen from the documents which i have trans- 
mitted you. You must also have pei'ceivcd from those 
documents, that I was not insensible of the importance 
of condensing our force, and that I had made a propogi-- 
Moa respecting quarters preparatory to such event." 

E2 ■ 



G6 

• • • • • 

Abstrflct from the report ofthe adjutfint-gcneral of Gene' 
lal Wilkinson's army, showing the Avhole number of 
non-commissioned officers, musicians, and artificers of* 
the several regiments and corps, on Dec. 1, 1813. 

472 
117 
675 
4^5 
349 
454 
500 
591 
295 
648 
330 
841 
455 
578 
2t)3 



Jiieht artillery 

?a\ regiment artillery 

3d ditto 


5th regiment infantry 
Cth ditto 


nth 


ditto 


J 2th 


ditto 


13th 


ditto 


1 Ith 


ditto 


li/th 


dittCT 


20 th 


ditto 


21st 


ditto 


22d 


ditto 


25th 


ditto 


Uifiemen 


I 



. 8,143 
A*J'utant and Inspector Generars ssa^ss 

Onice, Jan. 27, 1814. 

A . Y . N 1 C O L L , In rpect or GeneraL 



ISoTF. — The two regiment** of light dragoons, which 
luid made part oi General Wilkinson's Force in detxend- 
ing the St. Lawrence, are not included in this return, 
tiiese corps having been detached to L'lica. 



Exlract of a letter frojn MajorGmeral Wilkmson to the 
Secretary cf JVar^ dated Malcne, Dec. 8, 1813. 
*' The unavoidable delay ofthe express (as no reli- 
ance can be placed in the mail from this place) enables 
iue to send 3'ou the co{)y of a letter from General Izard, 
ijated the Clh instant, which exhibits additional exposi- 
tions of the pernicious and unwarrantable couduct of 
Major General Hampton. 1 will not charge this man 
wiih traitorous de»iigns, hut I apprehend, in any other 
jiovcinmeni, a military otTicer who firht defeated tlie ob- 
ject of a campaign by disobedience of ^rder?^, and then, 
\^ ithout authority, furloughcU all the efficieut officers of 



^7 

tbe division he commanded on a national frontier, in iho 
viciuity of an enemy, would incur lieavy penalties." 

Extract of a letter from Brij:;adi€r Gejiey^al Isard to Ma^ 
Jor-General Wilkinson, dated Plattshir^, Dec. t), 1813. 

" There is an unavoidable delay in ih_e returns of the 
regiments of this division, proceedins; irom the extreme^ 
inexperience of the officers of all grades, now with them; 
almost every efficient officer is either sick, or was lur- 
loughed by Major- General Hampton at the moment of 
his own departure; those that remain are barely enouglj* 
to perform the routine of duty in this cantonment.'* 

Extract of a letter fron Major-General Wilkinson to the 
Secretary of War, dated Malone, Dec. 24, 1813. 
"I believe 1 have not hitherto transmitted you a copy 
of a commurdcation which took place between . mmo- 
dore Chauncey and myself, the day before ( saileu -ojii' 
French Creek, and I do it now to show you what were 
my anticipations of the movements of the enemy lef^ 
behind me, and how delusive were all the prom? 
raade to me that my rear should be protected." 

French Creek, Nov, 4, 18^.^. 
Dear Sir, ^ 

I was so ill yesterday I could not call to see you ;■ 
and 1 now send up to say that I shall sail this evening, 
F,ad if I am not obs'»*ucted by the enemy's armed vessels 
which may have slipped down the other channel, 1 shall 
pass Prescott to-morrow night, or land the next morn^ 
ing to take the place, if I cannot pass it without too 
great hazard. As this operation may require three or 
four days, it is not improbable the enemy's squadron 
may make some attempts to destroy my boats ; and 
therefore I must entreat you to watch his every motion, 
and to give my flotilla every protection in your power. 

We are a match for the gun boats of the enemy, but 
inferior to armed schooners, and therefore could you 
consistently spare us the Pert, or some armed vessel, to 
run down to the vicinity of Ogdeusburgh, and imme- 
diately return, it would add security to our movements. 

Major Johnson will have the honor \o deliver you 
this, and I will thank you for any information you can 
give me respecting the movements of the enemy. 



6^ 

t widi very much to say farewell to yx)u, but I aok 
sensible of the delicacy ol your situation, and my dis- 
ease having changed into a violent inflammation of the 
breast, 1 dare not get wet. If then it is destined that 
we are not to meet again, 1 will leave with you my 
prayers for long life and laurels in this world, and ever- 
tasting happiness in that which is to come. 

Farewell, my friend, and may your country under- 
stand your skill and valor as well as does 

JA. WILKINSON. 
Commodore Chauncey. 



United Staies* ship General Pike, at anchor off 
east end of Long Island, river 6V. Lawrence ^ 
Nov. 4, 1813. 
Dbak Sir, 

Your favor of this day's date, has this moment beeit. 
handed to me by Major Johnson, 

From the best information that I can get, the ene- 
my's fleet is at or in the vicinity of Kingston, and I 
ttiink you have nothing to a[)i)rehend from them, as I 
;ixn in a situation to watch both channels. 

I should deem it unsafe to separate any part of 
my squadron aa long as the enemy remains above 
me: in fact, 1 am in hourly expectation of being attack* 
«d by Sir James down the south channel ; in that case 
I shall require all my force, as he has added a number 
©f gun boats to his fleet. If, however. Sir James should 
♦letach any part of his fleet down tbf north channel, I 
will send a sufftcient loree down to oppose him. 

I will remain in my present situation until you pass 
Prescott, but am anxious for that event to take place at 
as early a day as possiide, as the fleet cannot move out 
of thiij river except with a lair wind. It is to be appre- 
hended that after a few days, a spell of westwardly 
winils will set in, which may detain us until the ice 
makes, v.hich would entlanjrer the safety of the fleet, 
and probably lead to its final destruction. If it is possi- 
ble lor you to communicate to me in any way, when 
you pass Prescott, I should esteem it as a particular fa» 
vor. 

May your present enterprise he crowned with all the 
success that you yourself can wisb^ and that your emi" 



63 

aent serTices may be duly appreciated by your country; 
la the prayer of 

Dear Sir, your friend 
And humble servant, 

ISAAC CHAUNCEY, 
Major-General James Wilkinson, commander 
in chief of the American forces, in and upoa 
the St. Lawrence, &c. &c. &:c. 



CORRESPONDENCE 
Beiwecn tlie Secretary of War and Colonel Porter anti,. 

General M'Clure^ &c. 



WAR DEPARTMENT, Feh, 23, 1813, 
Sir, 

x\s tifo enemy*s force and defences on the Canadj^ 
side of the Niagara river are understood to be weak ; a« 
your force is respectable, and supposedto be competent 
to a successful attack of these ; and as the season has now 
furnished you with a bridge, as well for retreat as for 
advance, it is thought advisable that you do not permit 
circumstances so favorable to escape without making a 
stroke on such points of the enemy's line, as may be 
most within your reach. If, after feeling the enemy atl 
Fort Erie, you should find yourself able to extend your 
attack to Fort George, it will be desirable; but of thia 
you can ju^lge best after your tirst experiment. To an 
old soldier, like yourself, it is unnecessary to go more 
into detail. You know what you ought to do, and you 
will do it. Communicate this letter to Lieutenant-Co- 
lonel Boerstler, and accept the assurances of ray respecS 
and good ^vishes. 

(Signed) JOHN ARMSTRONG. 

Colonel Porter, Light Artillery, commanding ' 

the troops of the United States on the Nia- 
gara river. 



Extract of a letter from Major-General Dearborn to the 
Secretary of War ^ dated Albany, March 25, 1813. 
" Colonel Porter informs me that he had commenced 
ilie necessary preparations for an attack on Fort Erie> 



7a 

but the desertion of a serjeant prevente*! h's carrying 
his iiiteniiei] attack into operation. Two oilicer^ with 
six men pursued tiit serjeant so far as to i^e suiToundod 
on the ice, and were jiiad<» [jriaoners. Fort Erie .\ as 
immediately reintorced, and he had given over an}"^ im- 
mediate movement.' 



Extract of a letter from Colon' I Scctt^ f^d Artillery Ro- 
gimcntij to Major-Gcmral H ilkmson. 

Fort George, Monday, 7 o'clock, P.M» 
October 11, 1813. 
Sir, 

Within the last five minutes, I have had the honor to 
feceivr your despalch hy '" the Lady of the Lake." 

The enemy hay treated me with neglect. He con- 
tinued in his old jiositions until Saturday last, (the 9th) 
when he U>ok up his retreat on Burlington heights, ami 
has iihavdoncd this whoU peninsula, T wo caur* s are as- 
fjigned lor this precipitate movement; the succor of 
Proctor, who is reported to have been entirely defeat- 
ed, il not taken; the other, the safety of Kingston, eat 
dangered hy your movement. 

We have had from the entmy many deserters, moat 
f>f whom ccmcur in the latter supposition. 

The British burnt every thing in store in this neigh- 
l[»orhood, 3,000 blankets, many hundred stand of arms^ 
also the blankets in the mens' packs, and every article 
of clothing not in actual use. 

They are supposed to have reached Burlington 
lieights last evening, from the rate of their march the 
night before. 1 have information of their having imssed 
•• the 40," by several inhabitants who have come down. 
They add to \vhat was stated by the deserters, that two 
©fficers of the 41st had joined General Vincent from 
Prpctor's army, with the information that Proctor waB 
defeated 18 miles this side of Maiden. 1 cannot get 
particulars. ^ 

From the same sources of intelligence, it appears that 
the 40th, a part of the 100th, and the Voltigeurs. moved 
from this neighborhood the day after our flotilla left thia, 
the 3d iF.stant, but with what destination is not certaid- 
If known« 



71 

It was first reported (I mean in the British camp) that 
Ihese regiments had marched to suj)port Proctor, who, 
it is said, wrote that he would be compelled to surren- 
der if not supported. 

1 am pretty sure, however, that they are gone below. 
The movement of our army, bclotv, seems to have been 
known in the British lines as early as the 3d instant, 
together with the immediate objects in view; hence I 
hav? no difficulty in concluding that all the movements 
of the enemy will concentrate at Kingston. 

Chapin, who has been commissioned lieutenant colo- 
nel, marched late last evening up the lake, with about 
•100 volunteers under his command, and was followed 
this morning by generals M'Clure and Porter, with 
about 1000 men, Indians and militia included. There 
is no danger of their coming up with the enemy, or they 
would be in great danger of their total annihilation. 

Vincent took hence with him about a thousand or 
«leven hundred regulars, Many of the militia left this 
with the avowed design of plunder ; but I fear from re- 
ports, that the British have left the miserable inhabitants 
without any thing to be ravished. 1 expect General 
M'Clure back to-morrow evening, as he only took with 
bim supplies for two days ; he will probably go as far as 
^■'- the 20." 

On the 8th, Chapin went out with a small party, and 
attacked one of the enemy's picquets, which brought on 
a skirmish, in which many of Colonel Swift's regiment 
participated. After a great waste of ammunition, the 
parties retired to their respective camps, with little loss 
on either side; we made and lost a prisoner, had two In- 
dians killed, and two other men wounded. We hear 
the enemy had five men wounded. 

I had this morning made an arrangement, on applica- 
tion of General M'Clure, to be relieved in the com- 
mand of this post on the morning of the 13th instant, 
with an intention of taking up my line of march for 
Sackett's Harbor, according to the discretion allowed 
me in the instructions I had the honor to receive from 
you at this place. My situation has become truly in- 
supportable ; without the possibility of an attack at this 
post, and without the possil)ility of reaching you time 
enough to share in the glory of impending operations 



72 

Ijdow. I ana, nevertheless, flallereil willi the assu' 
ranee that trauspoi is will be tbrwariled for my removal> 
ami to liivor that inlentioB, I propose taking up my line 
ol march on the morning ol t he 1 3th, for the mouth of Gen- 
esee river, and there await the arriva I ofthe vessels you are 
good enough io promise me. By this movement, capt. Mix 
thinks with me, that 1 shall hasten my arrival at Sack- 
ctt's Harbor, five, possibly ten days. Captain Camp 
has a sufficient number ol wao;gons to take me thither ; 
1 can easily make that place by the evening of the 
15th. 1 hope I j-hall have your approbation, and every 
thing is arranged witb IJrigadier ?rClure. 

Knowing your wishes respecting the invalids or sub- 
jects for di>«-harg« , and fearing that water transport 
might not be had till the season was too far advanced 
for their removal, 1 have ventured to send Lieutenant 
Arclier, pay-master of the 20th, (who was lelt here with- 
out orders) on command to Greenbu&h, with 100 men of 
this description. It was a measure approve(< of by doc- 
tor Mann, and 1 ho[)e not contrary to your wishes and 
intentions. Doctor Hugo, surgeon's mate of the 14th, 
(also lelt here without orders,) accompanied the de- 
tacl'.ment. The fjuarter-master's department furnished 
eight waggons on my requisition. 

The sick-list of the garrison is much reduced since 
your <leparture, (1 have the honor to enclose my renort 
of this morning) and Dr. Mann has discharged many 
patients from his hospital : 1 also enclose yon his last 
report. Those marked " subjects for discharge" are 
part ofthe number sent off to Greenbnsh. 

Doctor iMann and Ca|)tain Camp have concluded to 
remove the general hospital to " the Eleven Mile 
Creek," near Buffalo, the barracks at which ])lace will 
be sufficient for the reception of the whole of the sick, 
with some trilling repairs. 

From the morning report enclosed, you will find 794, 
the " total, Arc." present of the regulars of this garrison, 
including ofiicers, &c. Transport will be necessary for 
about 850 persons. I wish also to take with me four 
iron €'s, one five and a halfinch howitzer, and two cas- 
soona, the whole on field carriages. This train will 
form no impediment in my march to the mouth of Gen- 
nessee River, as I have horses belonging to the regi- 



73 

meni sufficient to draw it. If it meet your approbatioH, 
I can seud the horses thence to Sackett's Harbor by 
land. 

I have, by working almost night and day, greally 
improved the defences of this i)ost, and nearly filled uj) 
the idea of the enguieer. I flatter myself that I have 
also improved the garrison in discipline. 

I must apologise for the haste in which this is written* 
but Captain Mix proposes to sail immediately, and £ 
fear to detaFfi him a moment. I think 1 shall certainly 
be at the mouth of the Genessee by the 13th inst. 
1 have the honor to be, sir, 
With the highest respect. 

Your most obedient servant. 
W. SCOTT, 
Colonel commanding:. 
Major-GeneraT Wilkinson, 

CommandiniT, &c. 6ic. &c. 



6* 



Extract of a letter from Colonel Jv infield Scott to the Se- 
cretary of War, dated Georgetown, (CoLJ Dec. 31, 
, 1813. 

'* At your desire, I have the honor to make the fol- 
lowing report : 

" I left Fort George on the 13th of October last, by 
order of Major-General Wilkinson with the whole of 
the regular troops of that garrison, and was relieved by 
Brigadier General M'Clure, with a body of the New- 
York detached militia. 

" Fort George, as a ti?;ld work, might be considered 
ss complete at that period. It was garnished with ten 
piecesof artillery, (which number might easily have 
been increased from the spare ordnance at the opposite 
fort) with an ample supply of fixed ammunition, &c. &c. 
as the enclosed receipt for these articles will exhibit. 

" Fort Niagara, on the 14th October, was under the 
immediate command of Captain Leonard, 1st artillery, 
who, besides his own company, had Capt. Keacl's 
of the same regiment, together with such of Brigadier- 
General M'Clure's brigade as had refused to cross the 
river. Lieutenant Colonels F lemming, Bloom, and 
Dobbins of the militia, had successively been in the 
command of this fort by order of the brigadier-general, 

G 



I 



74 

but I think neither of them was present at the above 
period. Major General Wilkin^-oa in liis order to me 
for the removal ol" the regular troops on that (rontier, 
excelled the two companies of ihe 1st artillery then at 
Fort Niagara. And under the su}>position that 1 should 
meet water transport for my ('.elaehmeut ai the mouth 
of tiie Gennessee River, i had his orders to take with 
me tlie whole of the convalescents left in the dilferent 
hospitals by the regiments which had accompani<id him. 
This order 1 complied with." 

Note. — By the arrangements of the war department, 
Brigadier-General Porter, of the United States' army, 
was designated for command on the Niagara frontier, and 
particularly for that of Fort George. In the latter trust. 
General Wilkinson suhstituted for him Colonel Scott, 
of the 3d regitnent of artillery, with provisional orders 
:o join the army at Sackctfs Harbor. 



War-Op cc, Feb. 8, 1813. 
Ordered, That Captain liconard (1st regiment of ar- 
Tiilery) he arrested^ aud ihat his place be supplied by 
Captain Armistead, of the same regiment. 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Adjutant- General Gushing. 

Extract of a letter from Adjiiiant-Gcncral Thomas H. 
Cushino: to Captain George K. Armistead, dated at 
this office, Feb. 8, 1813. 

HlRy 

" Vou will ])lease to proceed to Niagara, in the state 
of New-York, and relieve Captain Nathaniel Leonard 
in the coirunand of the company of artillerists now at 
that ])Ost; which company is to be returned and mus- 
tered in your name from aad after the day on which you 
receive the command ot it; and Captain Leonard will 
be instructed to deliver the said coujpany to you, with 
books, papers, clothing, and every thing api)ertaining 

to it. 

" You w ill call on Major-General Dearborn at Al- 
bany, and receive his orders." 



to 



Atljutant and Inspector General's Office, 

Wnbhin;j;to:i, Jan. 22, 1814. 
The above is a true copy Iroin the original, as record- 
ed in this oflice. 

J.B. VVALBACII, 

Adjulaut-General. 



Extract of a Utter /ram Adf.dant-Gnicral Thomas II, 
Cushinfr to Major-Gonrrdl Henri/ Dearborn^ dated at 
this office, Sthbcb. 1813. 

" The con<luct of Captain Leonard at Niagara has 
been represented in a very unfavorable liiicht to the se- 
cretary of war, who has instructed me to send Captain 
Gf^orsje Annistead to relieve him in the command of the 
•company at that post, and 1 have instructed Captain 
Armistead to proceed on hisjourney immediately, and 
to Avait on you tor any instructions you may think pro- 
sper to g;ive. Ca[)tain l^eonard must not exercise com- 
Hiand until his conduct has !ieen enquired into." 

Adjutant and Inspector-General's Office, 
Washinc^ton, 22d January, 1814. 
The above is a true copy from tlieoris:lnal as record- 
''cd in this office, J. B. WALBACH, 

Adjutant-General, 



Extract of a Idler to the Secret arij of War from Major 
George Armistead. Fort M' Henri/, Jeemiary 1 9, 1 8 1 4. 
" Captain Leonard was not arrested or brought to 

trial (luring my stay on tlie frontier; nor was he ever 

instructed, to my knowledge, to give me the command 

of ills company.'.' 



War department J October A, 1813. 
SIT?, 

Understandinic that the drfnice of the post committed 
fo your charge, ma^ render it proper to destroy the 
lown of Newark, you ore hereby directed to a|)prise its 
inhabitants of this circumi^tance, and to invite them io 
remove ihemseives and their ellects to some place of 
greater safetv.'' I am, Szc. 

JOHN AFCISTRONG. 
Brigadier-General M'Clure, 
or Officer cominanding at Fort George, Upper Canada, 



76 
General Harrisou's Orders to Gen. M*CIure. 

Head-Quarters J Newark, Nov. 13, 13l5l 

Dear Sir, 

Being ordered to return to the westward you will be- 
pleased to resiin.e the command which you received 
previous to my arrival at this place. 

The orders which you heretofore have received will ^6^ 
rem you. It will he necessary that you keep a vigilant 
eve over the dit-afl'ecled part of the inhal.iiants, and I 
lecon'mend that you make use of the zeal, activity and 
local knowledge which Colonel WiMcocks certainly 
|)Osses?es to counteract the machinations ol" our enemy 
and ensure the contidence of our friends amongst the 
inhabitants. It will, however, I am persuaded, be your 
%visli, as it u your duty, to guard the latter as much as ] 
possible from oppression. 

The volunteers which were lately called out will be^i 
retained as lone as you consider their services neces- 
sary ; the drafted militia, until further orders are receiv- 
ed from the secretary oi war. 

There can l«e little doubt of its being the intention of 
the enemy to send the j^reater part of the troof)S whicii 
they have at Bur!in2;ton and York to Kingston, and to 
make York the ri^jrht of their line. They may, how- | 
ever, have a small command at Burlington, and those 
may he so securely posted as to render them safe from j 
any desultory expedition you may set on foot ; but it is | 
desirable to have any supplies which they may have j 
collected in the neighborbood destroyed; and should ' 
the success below be not such as to promise possession 
of the whole of the upper province, may be destroyed. 

Captains. Leonard and Reed, or either of them, are \ 
appointed to muster your troops when and where you 
think proper. 

In closins; this communication, I should not do jus- 
tic;^ to my feelings, if 1 were not to acknowledge the 
zeal and talents with which you have managed your 
command. Your conduct ai)pears to me to have been 
extremely judicious and^ proper throughout, and your 
froops exhibit a stated' improvement and subordiuatioa 



wlilch is at once honorable to your oHicera and (hem- 
seive3, 

I am, very sincerely, 

Your friend and obedient servant. 
WM. HENRY HARKISON. 
Brigadier-General George M'Clure. 

Fort George, Nov. 17, 1813. 
Dear Sir, 

Major general Harrison embarked with his troops yes- 
terday^on board tiie Heet destined for Sacketfs Harbor, 
leaving the command once more in my hands. Ow- 
ing to continued opposing winds, the fleet has not yet 
gotten out oi sigh1. 

A correspondence which took place betu'een the gen- 
eral and myself, copies of which are herewith sent, will 
at once explain to you my views and feelings relatiye 
to the operation proposed to have been effected on this 
frontier. I am confident that the expressions of regret 
made by general Harrison are equally sincere with mine, 
though we both acquiese in the necessity which dicta- 
ted hh' abandonment of the projected expeditiorffeigaiust 
Burlington. 

About 400 volunteers have repaired to this post un- 
der my late call, made in conformity with general Har- 
rison's wishes and request. A i'ew are still coming in. 
I shall take care that they shall not be unemployed. I 
am this moment sending out a detachment of 200 mount- 
ed volunteers, with directions to penetrate the enemy's 
lines as far as |)racticable with safety. In the mean 
time, I am making preparations for moving in force 
against them, unless the intelligence expected from this 
excursion should be such as to make it impro[)er. 

Accounts of the enemy's force still vary much. A 
deserter came into day who represents their force to be 
1,500 regulars and 800 Indians at Burlington and Sto- 
ney creek. The former I think is magnitied. 

it is impossible to form a correct opinion of their in- 
tended movements. At one time they appear to be send- 
ing down their stores and detachments of troops to York. 
At this time it is said they are reinforcing, fortifying, 



and building barracks. 



G 2 



78 

The term of service of my troops will expire on the 
9th December. It can hardly be expected that MUiny 
will V iiiingly contiaue in service a longer time. \ our 
exci liency will at ouce see the necessity of prompt ar- 
rancenients l^eiiig made to supjdy their place, if it be 
oontt niplated to retain this garrison. 

I enclose herein my laie address, made under the 
sanction of general liarrison. 

1 have the honor to be your excellency's 
ObedienI humble servant, 
GEO. M'CLUllE, 
Brigadier- GeneraL 
His excellency John Armstrong, 
bccretary of \\ ar. 

Fort George, November A 3, 1813. 
Dear Sir, 

^^ The subject of our conversation this morning has oc* 
cui»it{l my mosl serious retlecfions, 'i'he deadly blow 
heretofore given to the patriotism of our citiv^ens on thi& 
froulier, lui«; prepared them for murmurs and complaints ; 
thosenfcha are not on their march, have left their homes 
and (heir business under great sacrifices, with the mo- 
ral certc»inty of being broujihl into action. 

The Inst ad<lre?s which 1 i^-jued under your directions, 
ami which I am hajjpy to tiral Inis met your ap|)robation, 
gives them reason for indulging the expectation of ser- 
vice, and they are anxiou?i to drive the enemy from 
their borders forever. — 'I lie high character of general 
Harrison, con)l)ine»l ',vith these circumstances has exci- 
ted iiho'ig interest in (he public miud relative to our op- 
erations. 

i\\ ihis peculiar situation of affairs, I feel it to be due 
to the gallant volunteers and militia, who are assembled 
8n(5 collecting, and to my own reputation, most respect- 
fully to solicit, that if it is not incoinpatible with your 
instructions and your better judgmenf, you will not ahan- 
tlon our projected expedition agr.in^^^t Burlington heights ; 
j'uch is the anxious wish of the militia, and I have no 
douf't the soldiers under your command are equally, if 
not !i ore desirous of the employment. 

J\Ty anxiety on the su'ject,*>l trupt, will excuse the 
^ppecrance of any disrespect in making this communi- 



79 

cation, which is certainly far from my feelings. M/ 
confidence in the valor, ability, and prudence of gene- 
ral iiarrison, will dispose nie most cheerfully to submit 
to any arrangements he may he bound to make, howe- 
ver great may be my disappointment in their result. 
I have the honor to be. 

With the utmost respect, 

Your obedient servant, 
GEO. M'CLURE. 
Major general Harrison. 



Headquarters, Newark, Nov. 15, 1B13. 
Dear Sir, 

Your letter to me of this morning has been receiv- 
ed. 1 feel most severely the weight of the reasons 
which you urge for the prosecution ol the intended ex- 
pedition to Burlington. The disappointment, however, 
to the brave and patriotic men, who have turned out un- 
der the expectation of serving their country etfectually 
in the tield at this inclement senson, is the most painful 
circumstance attending it, as I am well convinced from 
the injormmion recciied this morning and last evening that 
the enemy are n moving as fast as possible from the head 
of the lake so Kingston, which ha^ been left Avith a very 
small part of the force that was lately there, and it is 
more Ihau probable that shouhl we advance in force, 
the euemy having now none but effective men at Bur- 
lington, would destroy the stores which they hpve re- 
maining there, and retreat too rapidly to be overtaken. 
Tl'.ere are considerations, however, which would make 
it extremely desirable to make an expedition of force in 
that quarter, but the orders I have received from the se- 
eretaiy of war leave me no aiternaiive. 

Comtnodore Chaitncey is extremely pressing that the 
troc2>s should immediately embark, declaring that the nav- 
igation al this season to small vessels is very dangerous. 

The force at Sackett's Harbor is . The troops 

at York are ail hastening down to KiuL^ston. 

SaeketCs Harbor may he endangered hy even a delay of 

a few days ; and should the troops that are here not get 

•down before the lake is frozen, mir fleet may be destroy- 

rtdfor the 7vant of their aid. 1 cannot, therefore, take 

VL^n inyseif the responsibiliiy of delaying their g<nn§ 



^0 

^mvn even a day. Will you be so good, at a proper timftt 
as to explain the above circumstances to the patriots who 
left their homes with the intention of assisting me to 
drive the enemy far from our borders, and assure them 
that 1 shall ever recollect with the warmest gratitude, 
the partiality they have been pleased to express lor me, 
and their preference of serving under my command. 

I will direct payment to be made to the volunteers for 
rations and forage in coming out. 

Accept my best wishes for your health and happiness, 
and believe me sincerely, 

Your friend, 
WTyI. HENKY HARRISON. 
General M'CIure. 



Extract of a letter from hri<j;iu}icr (general M'Clurc to the 

secretary of )var, dated Vort George^ Nov. 21, 1813. 

" 3Iy mounteil men have returned from the head of 
the lake, having jjrogressed within sight of the enemy'd 
pickets at Stony Creek. Colonel Wilcocks, who com- 
manded, reports, that from the best information he coukl 
collect, the enemy's Ibrce consists of from 12 to 15 hun- 
dred rfi:ulars, and nine hundred Indian warriors. They 
have dischargeil their teams, ami apparently inteml 
wintering there and at Burlington. 

" It would be very desirable to dislodge tliem from 
their position, but 1 fear my force is insufficient for that 
object. At this inclement season it might be attended 
with serious conseijuences to attempt any thing more 
than desultory excursions. The volunteers who have 
lately come in, nmst, however, be actively employcJ, 
or they will return to their homes. The (h'afted militia 
on this side the Niagara are, perhaps, equal to any troops 
in the United States. 1 regret that their term of ser- 
vice will ex[)ire so soon. Permit me to suggest the pro- 
priety of Oueriog a small bounty to such of them as will 
volunteer to serve a kn^cer time after their present term 
of service expires ; say for one or two months, or until 
Other troo])s can be sent on to supply their places. 

" Should 1 move with my troops towards the head fjf 
tlie lake, the greatest advantage 1 can promise mysolf, 
\\\\\ be, to destroy some contiguous mills, and to bring 
off a quaotity of Sour, which is becoming scarce wit^ 






I « 

4.... 

Albani/^ 25th November, \SV^. 

Your letter of the 1 7th instant has been receivecl, an^ 
I hasten to inform you that a requisition forone thou?and 
militia, to take the places of ihose now with you, haa 
been made and will be complied with as promptly as pos- 
sible by the governor. 

You say nothing of the volunteer corps which gene- 
ral Porter engaged to raise, and which was long since 
authorised by me. If in tiiis effort, he has failed, what 
are you to expect from militia drafts, with their consti- 
tutional scruples ? On the other hand, should he have 
succeeded, and should general Harrison's opinion of the 
intentions and movements of the enemy be well found- 
ed, your force will be competent to somewhat more thaa 
defence. 

Tlie general was not under orders io quit the Niaga- 
ra froatier at any particular time. His movement, in 
this respect, was matter of arrangement with commodore 
Xhauncey, aad this was necessarily subject to consider- 
ations arising from weather and season. 

In the application of your present force, and in the 
jTieans you take to enlarge and continue it throughout 
the winter, you will be guided by the orders received 
firotn the commanding general, at the time he left yoU^ 
and by such others as he may give to you hereafter. 
1 am, Sir, very resj)ectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

JOHN ARMSTRONG. 
Brigadier general M'Clure. 



'Extract of a letter from Mr, Parker^ C. C, of the war tk' 

fartmuii, to general W dure , dated War office, Nov, 

27, 1813. 

*' In the absence of the secretary of war, I have had 
the honor to lay before the president your letters of the 
19th and 21st instant, with their enclosures. The 
measures which you have adopted to increase your 
command on the Niagara frontier are approved by the 
president. 

" Should the men, whose term of service expires in De- 
cember, withdraw from the frontier, there can be no im- 
propriety in continuing the officers who compose th^ 
court martial, until they discharge that duty. 



82 

** Although there is no law authorising: the president 
to giro a bounty to such militia as will re-iain in serviciJ 
after their ime expires, still, as it would reiider\our 
force more efficient than a new .Iraft, (even if the men 
could be obtained,) I have no hesitation in reonimending 
that you adopt such further measures as will ensure the 
protection of Fort George and theNia2:ara frontier, until 
oth»^r means of defence can be [trovided. 

"• For this purpose the [»ayma?ters, serving with your 
troops, may be required to make such payments or ad- 
vances as you shall think i)roj)er to order." 



Slitract of a letter from hriscadier general M'Clure(N. F. 

militia) to the secretary of war^ dattd Xia^ara, Dec. 1 

10, 1813. 

" This day found Fort Georse left to be defended by on* 
ly sist> etfective resiidar troops, under captains uodg- 
ers and Hampton of the 24th reziment of United Strifes' 
infantry, and probably forty volunteers. Within tlte 
last three davs the term of service of the militia has been 
expiring, and they have re-crossed the river ahnost to a 
man. Foreseeing the defenceless situation in which the 
fort was left, I had authorised some of my most active 
•u;\t!terns to raise volunteer companies for two month?, 
an^ioCTerfd a bounty in addition to the month's pay. il. 
is with rpffret^l have to sar th.it this ex{)edient failed of 
protlucing; the desired effect. A very inconsiderable 
number indeed were wiHinsto engage for a farther term 
of senice, on any conditions. 

" From the -uost indu!)itabie information, I learn that 
the enemv are advaijcin? \n force. This dav a scoulini^ 
party of eolonel Wilcocks' vohinteen? came in contact 
witii ih*^ir julvance at Tvelve Mile Creek, lost four 
prisoners and one killed ; one of th^ forrrer they gave U|> 
to the sar?»£:e?. 'ibis movef^ent determined me in call- 
in? n council of the princi >al i-ptrnlarand militia officers 
left at Fort Georore this mornin?. Thev all accorded in 
opinion that the fort was not tenable with the remnant 
©f force left in it. I, in consequence, gave orders for 
evacuatin?: the fortsince dusk, and Avith but three boats 
have brought over all the lisht artillery, and most of the 
arms, equipase, ammunit'r>n, Scd, and shall doubtless 
feave time to dispose of the heavy cannon before the ene- 



tiy makes his appearance. The village of Newark is 
now in tianies — the few remaining iiiliabitants in it, hav- 
ing been noticed of our intention, were enal led to re- 
move thdr property. The hous-es were generally vacant 
long before. 'J'his step has not been taken ivUhoid conn- 
scL^ andis in conforvtity with the views of your ticciltncy^ 
disclostd to me in ajomicr cmnmunication, 

"The enemy are now com letely shut out from any 
hoj.'es or means of wintering in the vicinity of Ft. Geoig:e. 
It is truly mortifying to me that a part of the militia at 
least could not have been prevailed on to continue in 
service for a longer term; but the circumstance of their 
having to live in tents at this inclement season, added to 
thai of the paymasters coming on only prepared to tur- 
ni^h them witli one^ out oi three months' pay, has had all 
the bad eflfects that can be imagined. The best and 
moEt subordinate militia that have yet been on this fron- 
tier, finding that their wages were not ready for them, be- 
Hcame, \\ith some meritorous exceptions, a disaffected and 
■ngovernahle multitude. 

.7 " December 11. I have this moment received a com- 
munication from the govenor of this state, covering a re- 
quisition on major general Hall for 1,000 men. It is 
probable not more than six or seven hundred will rendez- 
vous on this frontier, which will, in my humble opinion, 
be not more than competent to its proper protection, as 
£ome will have to be stationed at Black Rock,Schlosser, 
and Lewistown. 

^' i have written to general P. B. Porter, desiring him 
to employ the Indians for the protection of Birffalo un- 
til the detachment arrives. Our shipping is in danger. 
Ko exertion will be wanting, xvithin the pale of our lim- 
ited means, to afford the protection contemplated.'' 



Letter fron the Secretart/ of JVar to Major Lee, of the 
\Qth Repment oflnfeuitry^ deputy pay-master of tht 
army at Uiica. 
Sir, 

You will immediately take measures to pay off the 
brigade of M' Arthur, (1,300 men,) at Fort George, and 
the militia, volnnteers and Indians under General M'- 
Clure. Send an assistant without loss of time on this 
business. lam, &:q, 

JOHN AR3ISTR0>'G. 
Shelden's, Nov. 4, 1813. 



«4 

Extract of a letter from Brigadier-General George M'Cbire 

to the Sea^etary of JVar, dated Head-Quarters ^ Niaga^ 

ra, December 13, 1813. 

" Since 1 last had the honor of writing you, the ene- 
-my has appeared in considerable force on the opposite 
shore; but having deprived them of a shelter, they are 
inarching up to Queenstown, and appear to be fortifying 
on the heights. Several hundred Indians have appear- 
ed. I have prevailed on Lieutenant Colonel Greaves, 
and about 100 of his regiment of artillerists, to remain 
in the service one month longer, until the detachment 
of militia which I have ordered, arrives here. 1 have 
4lirected the colonel, with two pieces of artillery, to 
X^ewiston, to oj)en a hot shot on Queenstown, and de- 
prive them of quarters there also. You will observe 
Irom my despatch of yesterday, that every building in 
Newark is reduced to ashes. The enemy is much ex- 
asperated, and will make a descent on this frontier, if 
possible ; but I shall watch them close with my handful 
of men, until a reinforcement of militia and volunteers^ 
arrive, when I shall endeavor to re-possess myself of 
Fort George, and drive them back to Burlington. I am 
not a little apprehensive that the enemy will take ad- 
vantage of the exposed situation of Buffalo, and our ship- 
|»ing there. My whole effective force on this exten- 
eive frontier, including the garrison at Fort Niagara, 
does not exceed two hundred and fifty men. I have 
«ent an express to Mr. Granger, the Indian agent, to 
call out the In(Kans; an exhibition of two or three hun- 
dred of them will strike more terror in the British than 
one thousand militia. Permit rae to observe to you, 
«ir, that it is all important that payment should be 
made punctually to the Indians every month, or at the 
expiration of the term they may volunteer for. They 
are a people that cannot be made to understand the dif- 
ficulty of having funds here at all times for that pur- 
pose. I would beg leave to mention that Mr. Granger 
has interested himself warmly in suj)port of the govern- 
ment, by his endeavors to have the Indians join us on 
every occasion, and accompanied me himself on my 
late expedition to the twenty . 

" This day I start to Buffalo, which place I shall 
make my head (juarters. I will reinforce this garrison 



^5 



Assotfn as possible. In Iho mean lime iiothini; sliall !•« 
"Wiinted oil my j)ail to promo'.c tiie views ol'tlic govern- 
ment, and protect the delenceless inliabitauts of this 
frontier. 

Head-Quarters, Buffalo, Dec. 22, 1813. 
Sir, 

1 re«;ret to be under the necessity of annonncinjr to 
yon ihe moitifying intelligence of the loss of Fort Nia- 
gara. On the morning of tlie 19th inst. about 4 o'clock, 
t,he enemy crossed the river at the "• Five j\]iile Mcn- 
[. <lo\vs" in great force, consisting of regulars and Indians, 
^vho made their way undiscovered to the garrison, 
which, from the most correct information I can collect, 
was completely surprised. Our men were nearly all 
asleep in their tents ; the enemy rushed in and com- 
Tiienced a most horrid slaughter. Such as escaped the 
fury of the tirst onset, retired to the old mess-house, 
where they kept up a destructive tire on the enemv, 
until a want of ammunition compellod them to surren- 
der. 

Although our force was very inferior and compara- 
tively small, indeed, I am induced to think that the dis- 
; aster is not attributable to any want of troops, but to 
srross neglect in the commandinar officer oj the fort, (Capt. 
JLeonard) in not preparing, being ready, and looking out 
lor the expected attack. 

I have not been able to ascertain correctly the num- 
ber of killed and wounded. About twenty regulars 
have escaped out of the fort ; some badly wounded. 
Lieutenant Peck- 24th regiment, is killed, and it is said 
three others. 

You will perceive, sir, by the enclosed general orders, 
that 1 apprehended an attack, and made the necessary 
arrangements to meet it, but have reason to believe, 
from information received by those who have made 
their esca[)e, that the commandant did not in any >;- 
spect com|)ly with those orders. 

On the same morning, a detachment of mi' 'ia under 
Major Bennet, stationed at Lewistown Heights, was at- 
tacked by a par^y of savages; but the major and hisHt- 
tle corps, by making a desperate charge, effected their 
?etreat after being surrounded by .^yeral hundred, with 

H 



96 

111* lofs of six cr eight, who doubtless were ki"-'.^ 
amonz whom w^re two sons of Cantaia Joues, 1:, * 
interpreter. The villages of Youugsiown, Lewi^iown, 
Manchester, ?ntl the Inilian Tuscarora village were 
^uceil to ashes, and the inoffensive inhabitants who 
cotild not escaj^, were, without regard to age or sex, 
inhumanlv buiehered bv savages heade<l by British offi- 
cers painted. A British officer who is taken prisener, 
avows that many small children were munlered by tho 
Indians. Maior Mallor> , who was stationed at 5?chlos- 
ser, with about 40 Canadian volunteers, advanced to 
Lewistown beidits, *nd compelletl the advancetl guard 
of the enemy to fall Iwck to the foot of the mountain.— 
The major is a meritorious officer. He fought the ene- 
mv two days, and contended every inch of ground to 
the Tantawantv Creek. In these actions Lieutenant 
Lowe, 23d redment U. S. army, and eight ot the Cana- 
<fiM Totanteers were killed. I had myself, three days 
previous to the attack on Niagara- left ii with a view ot 
nrovidins for the defence of this place. Black Rock, 
and the other villages on this fromier. 1 came here 
wilboQt troops, and have called out the militia of Gen- - 
iN?9see, Niasara, and Chatausay counties, " en masse. 

This place was then thought to be in most imminer;: 
dancer, as well as the shipping, hut I havt no dmibt lo 
ii«ir prrffcily sicure. They are, however, a species ot 
troops that 'cannot be expected to continue in service 
for a long time. Id a few days, one thousand detached 
■ititia. lately drafted, will be on. 
I have the honor to be. 

Your obedient humble servant. I 

GEO. MCLl'RE. 

Brigadier Gen. conadg. 
The Hon. John Ann strong: Secretary of War. 



; December 13, 1813. 

Ahdracl of the Motfivig Report of the garrhon of Fort 

yiagara, co^unanded bi^ Captain Leonard. 
Captain Leonard's company, loial present 74 absent 10 
Captain Hami»tonV do do 88 do 17 

Lieutenant Peck's do do 118 do 9 

Lieutenant Frederick's do do 44 



Total present 324 absent 45 



Aggregate 369 



LOOMIS, 

Lieutenant and acting Adiotaat. 
JOHN VrfLSON, 

BrigaJe-Major. 



Extract of a Idterfrom general George ^ICIure to the se- 
a\':arj of 7t\ir. datfd Bataria, '2d!h December, IS 13. 
•• It is a notorious fact, that on the night oa which 
fort Niagara was captured, ca]>tain Leonard was much 
intoxicated and left the fort about 11 o*clc=ck, P. 3L I 
am assured that he has sine egiven himself up: that he 
and family are now on the Canadian side of the straii. 
It was not without some reluctance that I left him in im- 
mediate command of the fort, but there was no allerna- 
tire, as he outranked everv other officer. His uniform 
attacliment to British men and measures, added to the 
circum»tance of his not effecting his escape, w hen in his 
power, strengthens me in a suspicion that there was a 
secret understanding viih regard lo tins disgraceful 
transaction. 

•• Permit me to suggest to you, dr. that unless regu- 
lar troops are sent to this frontier immediately, the en- 
emy will penetrate into the interior of our coustry. 
and lay waste ail before them. The militia will do to 
act with regHlars, but not -without them. In spite of 
all mx ev?rtions to insure subordination, my late de- 
lachment ultimately proved to be very little l)etter than 
an infuriated mob. It was not, however the fault of the 
privates, but of sucii officers as were st e'dng. popularity 
and who on that account were afraid of enforcing sab- 
< rdii»ation and introducing strict discipline. 



88 

*' I have eolleclcd from tlie diftVrcnt rrcruiling reo- 
<lezvous about one huiulrod and iweiViy soldiers, an<! put 
them under (he comnifind of Lienter 'Jint Ricidle, of the 
15th Ignited States' infantry, an excejltnt and deserving I 
oflk'er. I 

" 1 ca-nnot fonclude tliis communkation without re- i 
porting the eonduet of Doctor Cyrenius Chapin, (hU« 
lirut. col. of vohmteers) to him in a jireat measure, ouglit 
nil our disasters to be imj)uted. His publications in the 
^Jutlalo Gazette, that the enemj' had abandoned Km-- 
linglon, 1 fear hail thedesiied etlect. I liave found hini 
an unprincipled <}isorganizcr. Since dismisieing him 
and his marauding corps, he has been guilty of the 
most outrageous acts of mutiny, if not of trcdscn. When 
I came to Buffalo, acco/npanied only by ni}^ suit, lie 
headed a mob lor the purpose of doing violence to my 
feelings aFul person; and, when marching to the Hock 
at the time of an alarm, live or six guns were discharg- 
ed at me by his men I!'' 



Ca/roc/s of a letter from General Lenis Coss to the secretartf 

of nar, dated If illiamsvillc, 11 miles east of Bvjj'alo, Jan- 

tian/ 12, 18M. 

*' I passed lliis day the ruins of Buffalo. It exhibits a 
scene of distress and destruction, such us I have never before 
witnessed. 

*' The events which have recently transpired in this quar- 
ter have been so astonishing and iniexpeeted, that I have been 
i«(iiiced to make some inqnijy into their causes and progress ; 
and doubting whether yon have received any correct infor- 
mation upon the subject, I now trouble you with the detail. 

*' The fall of Niagara has been owing to the most crimin' 
al wgUgeiice. The force in it was fnllij competent to its rfe- 
fencc. The commanding officer, captain Leonard, it is con- 
fidently said, was at hi«» own house three miles from the fort, 
and ali the officers appear to have rested in as much securi- 
ty as though no enemy was near them. Captain Rodgers 
and captain Hampton, both of the 24th, had companies in 
the tort. Both of them were absent from it. Their conduct 
ought to be strictly investigated. I am also told that major 
Wallace of the 5th was in the fort. He escaped and is now 
at Erie. 

" The circumstances attending the destruction of Buffalo 
you will have learned belbre this reaches you. But the force 
oi'the ene7Hi/ has been greatly magnifed. From the most care- 
ful exaiuiuatioi; I am satisfied.that uot more thon sjj hxuidrsd 



S5 

nulfip^ men of regulars, miUtia and Indians, laJJ^ded at 
1]1 -k R.ck To opp.)^e these v^re hadfomfno ih-\uand 
five hundred to three th^.-vsand mililia. All, exc.pt very k-vv 
of their, brhaved in the roost cowardly m mner. They fled 
without dischaniing a market. The enemy continued on thi^ 
sivp the river till JSaiurdav. All their movements be.ruyed 
svmpiums of appreheusion. A vast quantity o I properly was 
left ill the town unir-jured. and the Ariel, which lies four mile, 
above upon the beach, is safe. Since the l^t insUnt ihey 
have nude no raovemenr. They continue in the pos^es^ioa 
of Xiasara, and will probably retain il. until a torce compe- 
tent to its reduction arrives in its vicinity." 

Robert Lee, late of Lewislon, in the county of Xiigara, 
and «:tate of New-Yoik, gentleman, of the age ot ^orty-two 
veais, being sworn on the holy evangelists, deposeth and saith, 
that someleven weeks immediately preceding the 19ih ol 
December last, he, this deponent, resided in tort Niagara, lor 
the purpose of atteudiiis to private busiue.^^ ; that about loor 
o'clock in the morning of the 19th, the said fort wasatiacted 
or entered bv the Briti>h. The garrison was not alarmed 
when the eiiemv entered the gates ot the fort. Some faring 
took place after thev entered the works particulaily 0^^""^^° 
the guard at the suiiih east block house, and the sick m the 
hospital at the red barracks, on the part of the Amencaus 
wiih the enemy. This deponent was positive there was ^400 
men of all descriptions in the fort, immediately before td^eu^ 
acd thit 350 of that number were capable and williug to bear 
aiins in that way, viz. firing on the enemy from the block 
houses, ^c. The principal resistance the enemy met with, 
was from the sick in the red barracks, and the guard at the 
south east block house before mentioned. The sick in the red 
barracks, as this deponent is informed, and from what he saw, 
he believes were nearly all slaughtered. The British force 
that took possession of tJie fort were in number about 400, 
commanded by colonel Murray, >>ho was wounded in the arm 
in entermg the gate, and was succeeded in command by co- 
lonel Hamilton." From the British order of congratulation 
that issued on the same morning, it appeared ihat the Ame- 
ricans had lost 65 killed and 15 wounded, which wounds were 
principally by the bayonet, as expressed in the order ; but 
the above order was issued very soon after they took posses- 
sion of the fort, and did not include a number that were after- 
wards found bayoneted in the cellars of the houses. This 
deponent thinks that our loss killed in the whole amounted at 
least to eighty. It was a m;.tter of frequent conversation and 
exultation among the British non-commissioned officers and 
jioldiers, while this deponent was under guard, that they bay- 
:?neted the Americans, uotwithstanding their crying out fe* 



90 

i^narterf. A subaltern officer and abont 20 privates mad., 
l:;pir escape Croni the fort bv gcaling the piok< :<. Cap'.aii 
JLtoa^f'i, the Araerican coiniDaiider, wiis. at the lime the lort 
na*^ '. ike:i, at his farm, abont two miles distant, ami hearing 
ihtr cii/ark, mad* lowards the fort, and at no great liisiauoe 
frura it, was made prisoner by the euemj. and »ras kepi in 
clos^ coi'fiMem^^Dtfor two days and a half, and how much lon- 
ger ihis deponent does not know. The American solr.iei-s 
wen kept t»«"o iiy^ in close and mi>er3b]e i' nrnt, uitl»- 

out the c<e of provisions, and wiiij a Tery >v--..:v supply of 
wood and water ; at the expiralioii uf v. hich the citizens and 
«oKliers were crossed over the river ajid lodged iu a part of 
what had been the British majizine at fort George, the resi- 
j],.. ; . -.>^p plank and boaril hu's : in both situations it was 
im^ :e to liT down. The magazine was so filthy that 

many of the prisoners became infested with vermin, and in 
that !>iiuation remained seven day*. The citizens were then 
' to a brick b; ' ' ' ^^ ' '>. where thty 

riMich crowdt . ; k.;..; <,. <- .... .v was to be la- 

ken ei'-her by day or . Tiie supply of provisions was 

nor ohIv scanty, but of the very won^t kind ; beef of the most 
1 iVrior and repulsive quality ; and bread the qualiiy of which 
t 1 -f^t be described. The waier that they used, both there 
au'J At the magazine, they had to purchase. This deponejit 
l)€lieves that Ihroogh lh« influence of an individual in Tpper 
Canada, hirpsef.*. together with ten other Auoerican citizens 
wert pe: K on the 13th instant, to cross to the United 

Stales. i ii^ • -■■'"' of ihe citizen*;, to the amount of about 
seventy, were i; d, on the 12lh, under a slrong guard to 

Burlinglon heights ; and this deponent was informed, that 
from thence they would be sent to Kingston. The women 
and children taken at and near Lewiston, were suipped of 
their cbthing and laken across the liver. And lunhtr this 
deponent saiih not. 

(Jiigned) ROBERT LEE. 

Sworn to and subscribed this ICth day of January. 1811, 
before me, 

^Signed) J. H.ARRISOX, 

Master io Chancery. 



jj^.roa: 

11 



Wl-? 









• «5 ^^ ^ 


















» r 






^ 



(3 












f 






^°-*. 



i • • /• 


























* 










"■e-o* 



!5°x. 

















LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




011 899 656 2 



